Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Also known as “third molars,” wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are so named because they are generally the last teeth to come in – hence, the “wisdom” part of their name. In this blog post, we will discuss wisdom teeth eruption, symptoms of eruption, when to see a dentist, and extraction procedures.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
As mentioned above, wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get. They are so named because they are generally the last teeth to come in – hence, the “wisdom” part of their name. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth.
It is believed that wisdom teeth exist because our ancestors had a diet that was much tougher to chew than what we eat today. The extra set of molars helped them to grind down food so they could get the nutrients they needed. However, as our diets have changed and become softer, we no longer need that extra set of molars.
In fact, wisdom teeth can actually cause problems because they often become impacted, meaning they grow in at an angle and get stuck. This can crowd or damage other teeth, and it can also be quite painful. Impacted wisdom teeth will usually need to be extracted by a dentist.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Eruptions
There are a few symptoms that may indicate that your wisdom teeth are coming in. These include:
- pain and tenderness in the back of your mouth
- gum swelling towards the back of the mouth
- pus or discharge from the gums
- bad breath
- difficulty opening your mouth
- pain in the jaw
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to take x-rays and determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be extracted.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of complications if left untreated. They can crowd or damage other teeth, cause pain and swelling, and even lead to infection, cysts, or tumors. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
There are two main types of wisdom teeth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible and can be removed with forceps and an elevator tool. A surgical extraction is more complex and requires cutting through the gum tissue to remove the tooth. This type of procedure is usually only necessary if the tooth is impacted or otherwise difficult to remove. Some dentists may only offer one type of extraction, so it is important to speak with your dentist about this.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed wisdom teeth: what they are, when they come in, and why they need to be extracted. We have also gone over the symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption and when you should see a dentist. Finally, we explained the difference between simple and surgical extractions.
If you are experiencing any wisdom tooth pain or other symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a dentist. They will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be extracted and recommend the best course of action. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
