What Are Wisdom Teeth?
A wisdom tooth is the eighth tooth in the dental arch, and a person can have up to four. They usually erupt between the ages of 18 and 25, but this is not a strict rule. Variations in the number and position of these teeth are very common. Some people have all four, some only two, and some none at all. The most frequent question is: Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
Do You Have All Your Wisdom Teeth?
The first step is to determine whether you have wisdom teeth in your jaw. This can be assessed through a dental examination and an X-ray.
If wisdom teeth have not yet erupted, it does not mean they are absent; they may simply not have emerged yet. In some cases, wisdom teeth never erupt and remain permanently embedded in the jawbone.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
If it is confirmed that you have wisdom teeth, it is important to decide whether extraction is necessary.
As the last teeth in the dental arch, wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to grow properly, which is why they are frequently removed. Some people have enough space, and their wisdom teeth function normally.
In such cases, it is important to brush thoroughly to prevent decay.
When there is insufficient space for proper eruption or if the tooth grows in an unfavorable direction, extraction is recommended.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
1. Wisdom Tooth Lacking Space to Fully Erupt
This situation often causes:
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Swollen and painful gums
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Biting of the surrounding mucosa
In more complicated cases, it can cause facial swelling and difficulty opening the mouth.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics before extraction to reduce swelling and make opening the mouth easier. Once the infection subsides, extraction can be performed more safely. Symptoms may improve temporarily, but the tooth still needs to be removed. The problem will recur, so the calm period should be used to make extraction easier.
2. Angled Wisdom Tooth Threatening the Adjacent Tooth
If a wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it can damage it. Early removal is necessary to prevent harm.
If delayed, the second molar may require treatment or even extraction.
3. Decayed Wisdom Tooth With No Repair Potential
When a wisdom tooth has erupted but is decayed, the dentist evaluates whether it is worth repairing and keeping.
Factors considered include:
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Tooth position and feasibility of proper restoration
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Reasons for decay, e.g., difficult cleaning due to its position
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Function in chewing; if it has no opposing tooth, it does not contribute to chewing and restoration may not be justified
In such cases, extraction is the best solution.
4. Frequent Inflammation of Surrounding Gums
If a wisdom tooth erupts with difficulty and causes occasional discomfort, removal should also be considered.
Frequent inflammation around the tooth may trigger lymph node reactions. Repeated episodes and bacterial presence in the gums are detrimental to overall health in the long term.
The Extraction Procedure
Once you decide on extraction, the dentist will provide all necessary instructions.
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Type of extraction: Sometimes it cannot be determined in advance whether the procedure will be simple or surgical.
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Anesthesia: Extractions are performed under local anesthesia and should not be painful.
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Differences: Surgical extraction takes longer, requires sutures for 7 days, and may cause swelling and discomfort.
Detailed post-operative care instructions and what to expect after extraction can be provided by the dentist.
