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You are probably here, reading this blog, looking for answers about a gnawing pain in your mouth and how your face is swelling up out of nowhere!
Don’t worry it’s just your wisdom tooth and you are now entering a new phase in your life!
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. They're called "wisdom" teeth because they appear later in life when we’re supposedly wiser! However, their arrival often comes with pain and discomfort as they push through the gums.
When there isn’t enough room in the mouth, wisdom teeth can become impacted—meaning they get stuck under the gums or grow at an awkward angle. This can lead to crowding, pushing against other teeth, and causing pain or even infection. In such cases, your dentist may recommend removing them to prevent further complications.
The extraction of wisdom teeth can range from a simple procedure with local anesthesia to a more complex surgery requiring general anesthesia, depending on how deeply they are impacted. Proper oral hygiene—brushing and flossing regularly—is crucial to prevent gum disease around these new molars, as it can make any potential extraction more complicated.
Regular dental check-ups are also important. Your dentist can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and catch any problems early before they escalate into more serious issues. Staying proactive can save you from unnecessary pain and ensure a healthier smile.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Come In?
You generally develop your Wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. While most people have four wisdom teeth, some have three or five.
Wisdom teeth are often called third molars because they typically grow after your first and second molars have already appeared.
It’s important to be aware that not everyone will get their wisdom teeth at the same time. One person can get two of their wisdom teeth while another person gets none at all.
Some people may even experience a delay or an early eruption of these third molars.
If you think you may be getting your wisdom teeth, it is important to visit your dentist so they can monitor their development and let you know when they may arrive.
How many wisdom teeth do humans have in their lifetime?
Humans typically have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of their mouth. Although most people tend to have four wisdom teeth, some individuals may have more or less than this number due to genetics.
The best way to determine if you need your wisdom teeth extracted is through regular visits with your dentist who will take x-rays and monitor any changes in their development over time.
In some cases, an individual may be able to keep all four wisdom teeth without any problems while others may require tooth extraction before they reach full maturity depending on their movement patterns within the jawline.
Regardless of whether you keep them all or remove some, it's important to take care of your oral health so that you can enjoy healthy smiles for many years!
What is the purpose of wisdom teeth?
Ancient Advantage: Early humans had larger jaws with enough space for wisdom teeth to fit properly.
Diet Change: Softer modern diets led to smaller jaws, reducing space for wisdom teeth.
Space Issues: Many people don’t have enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt normally, leading to potential problems.
Regular Check-ups: Dental visits and x-rays help determine if wisdom teeth need extraction.
Benefits of Removal:
Reduces crowding of existing adult teeth.
Prevents infections from bacteria around impacted roots.
Avoids the development of cysts or tumours at impacted sites.
Overall Health: Removing wisdom teeth helps maintain a healthy oral environment and reduces the risk of future dental issues.
What are the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth?
- Maintains Oral Health: Preserves overall dental health and keeps your smile intact.
- Improves Chewing Efficiency: Properly aligned wisdom teeth can enhance chewing and reduce oral discomfort.
- Prevents Periodontal Issues: Reduces the risk of gum disease and decay caused by overcrowding.
- Supports Facial Structure: Provides structural support for facial muscles, helping maintain a youthful appearance.
- Preserve Natural Tooth Structure: This avoids weakening adjacent teeth and maintains the natural tooth structure.
- Avoids Costly Treatments: Reduces the need for expensive restorative treatments like dental implants or bridges in the future.
- Minimizes Future Risks: Helps prevent dental problems related to weakened or missing molars.
Conclusion
It is often debated whether or not wisdom teeth are beneficial or detrimental to one's oral health.
On one hand, some argue that there is no need for wisdom teeth since modern humans do not require them for proper chewing and digestion of food.
Furthermore, they may be difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth and can be at risk of tooth decay if not properly maintained. As a result, many dentists recommend removal of the wisdom teeth before any potential problems arise.
On the other hand, advocates argue that leaving wisdom teeth intact has its benefits too - namely that it helps preserve facial structure by providing additional support to adjacent teeth.
Additionally, it can also help prevent overcrowding in cases where there is insufficient room in the mouth for all necessary adult teeth.
Ultimately, it comes down to an individual's unique situation; if your dentist believes that your particular case warrants extraction then it would likely be wise to listen to their advice given their expertise on this matter.
