Wisdom Tooth: Everything You Need to Know

The Wisdom Tooth: Everything You Need to Know

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, often between the ages of 17 and 25. Although they were useful to our ancestors for chewing hard foods, they frequently pose problems in the modern mouth. This article explores the reasons for their frequent extraction, the signs of eruption, and treatment options.

This article will help you understand dental anatomy a little better. We have written an article that covers the different aspects of tooth anatomy right here: tooth anatomy .

1. What is a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws. These teeth usually appear after all other adult teeth, and their development can be problematic because they often lack space. They can grow in crooked, get stuck under the gum (impacted teeth), or develop at odd angles, creating oral health problems.

2. Why do wisdom teeth cause pain?

There are several factors that explain the pain associated with these teeth:

  • Lack of space : The modern human jaw is often too small to accommodate these four extra teeth.
  • Partial eruption : When a wisdom tooth partially erupts through the gum, it creates a space where bacteria can enter, causing infection or inflammation.
  • Malposition : A wisdom tooth may grow in the wrong direction, putting pressure on adjacent teeth.

3. Symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption

Warning signs of wisdom teeth eruption include:

  • Pain and tenderness behind the gums : This may worsen during chewing or brushing.
  • Swelling : The area around the wisdom tooth may be swollen.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth : Pain may make opening your mouth uncomfortable.
  • Bad breath : An infection of the gum around the growing tooth can cause an unpleasant odor.

4. When should you see a dentist?

It is essential to consult a professional if:

  • The pain persists or worsens.
  • There is significant swelling of the gum.
  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth occurs.
  • You feel pressure on the other teeth.

A dentist will be able to take an X-ray to determine the exact position of the wisdom teeth and advise on the necessary action.

5. Treatment options for wisdom teeth

Extraction : In most cases, extraction is the most effective solution. This procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia, is simple, but may require recovery time with swelling and pain.

Monitoring : In some cases, wisdom teeth can remain in place without causing any problems. If the tooth is growing properly and does not pose any risk of decay or damage to other teeth, regular monitoring is sufficient.

6. Prepare your extraction: advice and steps

If an extraction is planned, here are some tips to make the procedure easier:

  • Preparation before the procedure : It is often recommended to eat lightly, as local or general anesthesia can cause nausea.
  • Plan for Rest : Extracting multiple teeth at once will likely require a 2-3 day rest period.
  • Follow the dentist's instructions : This includes using ice to reduce swelling and avoiding hot foods.

7. Recovery after extraction

After an extraction, following the dentist's instructions is crucial to avoid complications:

  • Pain management : Pain relievers may be prescribed to relieve pain.
  • Soft food : Favor soft and cold foods for the first few days.
  • Oral hygiene : Avoid brushing directly on the area for a few days and use a mild mouthwash to prevent infection.

8. Possible complications

Complications are rare, but include:

  • Infection : Antibiotic treatment may be necessary if an infection develops.
  • Dry socket : This intense pain occurs if the blood clot formed in the dental cavity is dislodged, requiring rapid consultation.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth aren't always problematic, but their emergence can sometimes be uncomfortable and require extraction. By paying attention to the symptoms and consulting a dentist, you can best manage the eruption of these teeth and prevent complications.

We wrote an article where we go over each part of the tooth in detail: enamel, pulp, and dentin. You can find this article right here: diagram of a tooth

There are 20 baby teeth : 8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars.

We have written a very comprehensive article on the number of teeth and tooth number which you can find here: tooth number

There are several tooth numbering systems, the FDI system, the FDI system and the Palmer system. We will take stock of these different systems in a dedicated article that you can find right here: dental numbering system

To fully understand the anatomy of teeth and the mouth there are also two major concepts to understand, that of the dental dial which we have explained here: dental dial

And the concept of dental diagram which is a representation of the entire dentition that we have explained here: dental diagram

If you want to know more about wisdom teeth, we have an article that specifically addresses this topic: wisdom teeth