If you're age 17 or older, you may already have wisdom teeth or be in the process of developing them. Wisdom teeth are the molars that emerge at the back of the mouth, usually in the late teens or early 20s. Some people may also develop them in their late 20s to early 30s. While when wisdom teeth come out isn't much of a problem, the complications they cause often are – so much so that experts usually recommend removing them, as they are considered unnecessary in the long run.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Manvi Srivastava, Professor and Head, Department of Dentistry, NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, Noida, sheds light on the problems wisdom teeth can cause and shares signs that indicate when they need to be removed.
Also Read: Can Sideways-Growing Wisdom Teeth Straighten Themselves? Here’s What You Need to Know
When Do Wisdom Teeth Typically Emerge?
“Wisdom teeth grow after the completion of jaw growth and development of the dental arch between 15 and 25 years of age,” says Dr Srivastava.
Research suggests that third molars develop between ages 8-15 and erupt between 17-22. And due to this delayed eruption, 17-69% of mandibular third molars (wisdom teeth) may be impacted.
Dr Srivastava shares common reasons why some people experience problems with wisdom teeth. He suggests that those who have smaller jaws do not have sufficient space in their mouths for the wisdom teeth to grow properly. In some cases, impaction leads to pain in wisdom teeth as they get trapped beneath the gum line or grow at an angle, causing pain. Positioning of the wisdom teeth matters a lot, as odd positioning of teeth leads to pain.
Signs Wisdom Tooth May Be Causing Problem And Needs Removal
According to StatPearls Publishing, wisdom teeth, also known as mandibular third molars, are the most frequently extracted teeth, accounting for 18% of dental extractions.
The common signs and symptoms that indicate the necessity for the removal of wisdom teeth include:
- Persistent pain at the back of your mouth.
- Swelling or redness around the gums where the wisdom teeth are located.
- Repeated infections or gum disease around the wisdom teeth.
- Pressure on other teeth due to crowding, causing misalignment.
- Formation of cysts or tumours around the impacted teeth.
- Trouble opening mouth fully due to swelling or pain.
How Impacted Wisdom Teeth Affect Oral Health
According to Dr Srivastava, impacted wisdom teeth can impact overall well-being, as persistent pain and discomfort can interfere with daily activities and concentration.
He says that the pain caused by the impacted teeth affects a person’s speaking ability. In some cases, if not treated on time, the infection may cause redness, swelling, and even fever.
In severe cases, cysts or tumour formation may damage the jawbone and the surrounding teeth with gum diseases.
Complications Of Not Removing A Problematic Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth should be removed only if they are causing problems or likely to in the future, according to InformedHealth.org.
Important factors include pain, damage to other teeth, impact on dental treatments, and surgery risks. In some cases, wisdom teeth can replace missing molars.
Dr Srivastava says, “One may face various issues if the problematic wisdom teeth are not removed. This may include chronic pain due to discomfort that is caused while eating and speaking. Infection in the gums can cause swelling and fever for which antibiotics are required. Also, the partially erupted wisdom teeth may create pockets for bacteria that affect oral health and cause gum diseases. Major problems like cysts or tumours can be formed that may damage the teeth and jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth. To avoid such complications and maintain good oral health, one must visit a dentist to get guidance.”
Also Read: Dealing With Wisdom Tooth Pain? Here Are Its Causes And Effective Remedies To Alleviate The Pain
Recommended Procedures
For a partially or fully impacted third molar, or wisdom tooth, extraction, the recommended procedure typically involves administration of local anaesthesia, making an incision to expose the tooth, removing any bone obstructing access, carefully loosening and lifting the tooth, cleaning the area, and potentially placing stitches (if required) and gauze to control bleeding.
Post-procedure care includes:
- For pain management, the dentist provides instructions, including pain relievers and a few other medications.
- For bleeding control, patients are instructed to keep gauze in place for some time and avoid strenuous activity.
- Swelling and mild discomfort are common after extraction and can be managed with ice packs and pain medication.
- Patients are given specific instructions for oral hygiene, diet, and wound care. Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited for uneventful healing of the socket.
- A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Conclusion
In most cases, wisdom teeth cause some amount of discomfort and pain. While they may resolve on their own, in some cases, medical supervision is extremely important. Extreme pain, swelling, infections, or formation of cysts or tumours should be addressed immediately. Experts usually recommend extracting the tooth with safe procedures; however, consulting a dentist is advised before making any decisions.