Wisdom teeth, often referred to as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth – usually during the late teenage years or early twenties. For some lucky people, wisdom teeth come in normally and don’t cause any problems. However, for many people, wisdom teeth need to be removed due to risk of infection or other complications. In this article, we will explore why we get our wisdom teeth pulled and discuss the potential risks associated with not extracting them.Wisdom teeth are the four adult teeth located at the back of the mouth on each side. They are usually the last teeth to emerge, generally appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, meaning they have not fully emerged from the gum line, or they may grow in crooked. These teeth can cause various dental health problems, and it is sometimes necessary to remove them.
What is the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. The purpose of wisdom teeth is still debated in the scientific community. Some believe they have an evolutionary purpose while others believe they are essentially useless.
Wisdom teeth are thought to have served a purpose during primitive times when diets consisted of much tougher foods that required more extensive chewing than what we consume today. In this sense, wisdom teeth provided an extra set of molars to help break down these tougher foods.
However, due to changes in diet and lifestyle, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary and often cause more trouble than they’re worth. This is because modern human jaws are smaller than their prehistoric equivalents, meaning there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to fit correctly. As a result, many people experience impacted wisdom teeth which can cause pain, swelling, infection and other dental issues.
Overall, it is still unclear what the exact purpose of wisdom teeth is today. While some believe they still serve a purpose in certain cases, it appears that for most people they are essentially obsolete and it may be best to have them removed if any problems arise.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Appear?
Wisdom teeth usually start to appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth and can be located in any of the four corners of the mouth. It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to become impacted, meaning they are stuck in the jaw bone or gum tissue and can’t come through normally. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection and a variety of other dental issues if left untreated. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that they can monitor your wisdom teeth development and provide treatment if needed.
It is possible to have fewer than four wisdom teeth, or even none at all. Some people may even have more than four if they are particularly impacted or crowded. Most dentists recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth because they can cause a number of painful complications that will require more serious treatments such as root canal therapy or surgery.
Wisdom teeth can be difficult to predict as their eruption patterns vary from person to person. However, regular dental checkups will help keep an eye on them so that any potential problems can be caught early on and treated accordingly.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are the last teeth to come in and can cause a variety of problems. Depending on the individual, it may be necessary to have wisdom teeth removed.
The decision to remove wisdom teeth is based on a variety of factors including the size and position of the wisdom teeth, as well as any signs or symptoms that may be present. If wisdom teeth are impacted or growing in at an angle, they can push against other teeth and cause overcrowding, which can lead to pain, infection, and decay. In these cases, removal is often recommended.
If wisdom teeth are growing in normally and do not cause any issues, they may not need to be removed. In some cases, a dentist may recommend keeping them if they are not causing any problems. However, it is important to note that even if wisdom teeth don’t cause immediate problems, they can still become impacted over time as the jawbone grows and changes shape. Regular dental exams can help detect any potential problems with wisdom teeth before they become serious issues.
In short, whether or not wisdom teeth need to be removed depends on the individual situation. If they are growing in normally and not causing any issues then they may not need to be removed. However, if there is overcrowding or potential for infection then it is usually recommended that they be taken out. It’s important to speak with a dentist about your specific situation so you can make an informed decision about what is best for your oral health.
What Are the Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth can offer numerous benefits, including improved oral health, a reduction in the risk of infection and improved facial aesthetics. By removing wisdom teeth, individuals can help to prevent overcrowding of the mouth, which can lead to discomfort and difficulty when chewing and speaking. Additionally, removing wisdom teeth can reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, as wisdom teeth often create pockets that harbor bacteria. Finally, removal of wisdom teeth can help improve facial symmetry and appearance.
For individuals who are considering removing their wisdom teeth, there are a few important factors to consider. First, individuals should talk to their dentist or oral surgeon about the potential risks associated with the procedure. Additionally, it is important to understand that recovery time may vary depending on the complexity of each individual’s case. Lastly, individuals should also be aware that removing wisdom teeth may cause some degree of pain or discomfort during recovery.
What Are the Risks of Leaving Wisdom Teeth in Place?
Leaving wisdom teeth in place can lead to a range of potential risks and complications. If the teeth do not have adequate space to erupt properly, they can become impacted or trapped beneath the gum line and cause a range of issues. This can lead to pain, infection, gum inflammation, and cysts. Impacted wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth by pushing them out of alignment, leading to jaw pain and difficulty with chewing. In some cases, leaving impacted wisdom teeth in place can cause permanent damage to the jawbone or nerves surrounding the tooth. In addition, leaving wisdom teeth in place can make it difficult for individuals to maintain good oral hygiene which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
For these reasons, it is important for individuals with wisdom teeth to visit their dentist regularly for an evaluation to determine if they need to be removed. If left untreated, the risks associated with leaving wisdom teeth in place can be severe and may require more extensive treatment down the line.
How Is a Tooth Extraction Performed?
A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that is performed to remove a tooth from its socket. The procedure can be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon and typically involves the use of local anesthesia and sometimes sedation to ensure comfort. During the procedure, the dentist will use special instruments such as an elevator and forceps to loosen the tooth and surrounding tissue before extracting it from the mouth. After the tooth is removed, the dentist may place gauze in the socket to stop any bleeding and help with clotting. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, stitches may also be needed to close the area where the tooth was removed. Aftercare instructions will be given to help ensure proper healing of the extraction site.
In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay, fractures or trauma that cannot be repaired with other dental treatments. Extractions may also be necessary if there is not enough room in the mouth for all of your teeth, or if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign. Whatever the reason for needing an extraction, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions so that you can heal properly after your procedure.
What Can I Expect After Having My Wisdom Teeth Pulled?
After having your wisdom teeth removed, you may experience some discomfort in the area where the tooth was extracted. This is normal and usually resolves within a few days. You may also experience some swelling and bruising, which is also normal and should subside after a few days.
Your mouth will likely be numb for a few hours after the procedure, so it’s important to avoid eating or drinking hot liquids until feeling returns completely. Additionally, avoid smoking or using any type of tobacco products while your mouth is still numb.
Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medications to help reduce swelling and discomfort. It’s important to take these medications as prescribed by your dentist or healthcare provider in order to ensure a speedy recovery.
It’s also important to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking care of the area where the tooth was removed. This may involve rinsing with an antiseptic solution several times per day, avoiding brushing or flossing near the extraction site, and eating soft foods while healing occurs.
Finally, it’s important to follow up with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery process. They can provide further instructions on how to care for the extraction site and provide additional medication if necessary.
With proper care, most people can expect a full recovery within one to two weeks after having their wisdom teeth pulled.
Conclusion
Getting our wisdom teeth pulled is an important part of oral health care that should not be taken lightly. It can help prevent severe dental complications in the future, and it can also help us keep our mouths healthy and functioning properly. Although it may be a bit uncomfortable or painful, it’s important to remember that the procedure is meant to help us in the long run. It’s never too late to get your wisdom teeth pulled if you feel like you need to, and doing so could potentially save you from a lot of dental pain and complications in the future.
Ultimately, getting your wisdom teeth pulled is something that should not be taken lightly and should be assessed on an individual basis with your dentist. It’s important to remember that this procedure is done for our own good, so we can stay healthy and keep our mouths functioning properly.