The third molars, more commonly known as the wisdom tooth due to their eruption in later years when a person is thought to be wiser, are the hindmost molars in the human mouth. They usually grow out of the gums between the ages of 16 and 20.
The wisdom teeth are thought to be the remainder of ancient human genetics. This theory believes that long lost human ancestors used these large back teeth to grind down fibrous plants for better consumption of the cellulose in their cells. Evidence has been found in many skulls found in dig sites, the oldest being a European female dated between 18,000 and 10,000 BCE.
As our bodies have evolved and adapted to different diets by reducing the size of our jaws, our wisdom teeth stayed the same size. This can mean lots of problems and does often cause them.
The Common Reasons for Removal of the Wisdom Teeth
The extraction of wisdom teeth has come to be viewed as part of the maturing process for many teens. This is due in large part to the fact that most people have them removed for one reason or another. According to Wikipedia.org, less than 2% of adults over the age of 65 actually keep their wisdom teeth without getting cavities or periodontal disease round them.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information claims that nearly 5 million people in the U.S. have their third molars removed each year. Reasons for having them removed include lack of space in the mouth, a high rate of dental caries and periodontal disease in them or the way they affect surrounding teeth due to limited space, or improper eruption in the rear of the oral cavity.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also press against nerves, blood vessels or other subgingival structures of the mouth and jaw. (Source: deardoctor.com.)
How Your Dentist May Approach the Wisdom Teeth
The importance of starting to visit the dentist at a younger age and consistently through childhood can’t be stressed enough when it comes to monitoring the wisdom teeth. Your dentist can continually examine the position of the wisdom teeth, and plan ahead for any problems. Often the wisdom teeth are extracted in preparation for orthodontic treatments or prior to full dentition to allow the room your other teeth need to erupt properly.
Often, people wait until the wisdom teeth erupt to call their dentist. This is because the wisdom teeth are causing severe pain, and the pain is usually associated with:
- Dental caries in the wisdom teeth or surrounding teeth
- infection
- fractured or damaged neighboring teeth
- gingivitis or gum disease
- gingival cysts or tumors
Though all of these dental problems associated with wisdom teeth are fairly common, extractions are still viewed as plan Z. Your dentist should want to do whatever is necessary to save a tooth. These attempts can include filling cavities, creating and implementing a crown or other dental treatments.
What to Expect with Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery
Your dentist will do a lot of study of your oral cavity prior to recommending wisdom teeth removal. X-rays and/or digital imaging will take place to determine the position of the third molars that need extracted as well as neighboring teeth and the condition of whatever structures the third molars are impacting. From there, a surgery will be scheduled. Any dental infections will be dealt with prior to surgery, and if it’s not been eradicated before the removal date, the surgery may be delayed. Risk factors may also delay surgery or dissuade your dentist from having the surgery done.
The surgery can take place in the dentist’s office or may require in hospital extraction if complications are present. Patients are asked to not eat the night before or morning of surgery. It’s a single day surgery with most patients being released as soon as the anesthetic wears off. In some cases, many stitches will be applied to help the wound(s) close more quickly and removed in a second visit a few days following the procedure. Gauze will also be placed over the openings where the teeth were before removal.
Post-removal care will include anti-biotics and rinsing the mouth with salt water or anti-septic mouthwash. You’ll also be instructed to eat soft foods, ice your jaw and cheeks to reduce inflammation, use a straw to avoid lifting scabs and blood clots off the surgery sites, and continue to brush your other teeth and tongue while avoiding touching or messing with the wounds at the back of the mouth. It usually only takes a couple days to fully recover from wisdom teeth extraction.
Asymptomatic Wisdom Teeth
When a person has no problems with their wisdom teeth, they are considered asymptomatic. It’s often assumed that once a person hits the age of 20, they are in the clear from wisdom tooth problems. However, dentists recommend continuing the monitoring of these major molars through the age of 25 to make sure they won’t cause any problems. A major bonus is that you’ll also get regular dental exams and cleanings in the process, and keep your smile healthy and bright.
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