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Wisdom teeth are extracted for various reasons. These reasons include: to prevent infection, to relieve pain, to correct alignment, or to remove teeth that are impacted or cannot be cleaned adequately.
The extraction of wisdom teeth is a standard procedure. They are located in the back of the mouth, behind the molars.
Although some may have only two or three, most people have four wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, which does not erupt fully into the mouth. They may also be crooked or positioned so that they are challenging to clean, which can lead to infection.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted to prevent infection or correct alignment. If they are impacted or cannot be cleaned adequately, they may also need to be removed. This article will help you understand the different types of treatments and what might be the best option for you.
What is the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth?
The purpose of wisdom teeth is not fully understood, but it is thought that they may help with chewing and grinding food. Wisdom teeth may also help keep the mouth healthy by scraping plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They get their name because they are the last teeth to come in and are considered an essential part of adult dentition. Wisdom teeth are usually cone-shaped and can be challenging to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have only two or three. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they don’t erupt properly or become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In some cases, they may need to be surgically removed.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain in your jaw or face
- Swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- A toothache
- A change in the way your top and bottom teeth fit together
- Inability to open your mouth wide
- A receding gum line
- Crowding of your other teeth
- A cyst on your gums
- A sinus infection
These symptoms mean that you need to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Problems?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars erupt in the mouth, typically in late adolescence or early adulthood. Most people have four wisdom teeth in each corner of the mouth.
Though wisdom teeth are typically harmless, they can sometimes cause problems. The most common issues associated with wisdom teeth are:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly and remain trapped in the gums can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Crowded wisdom teeth: When there isn’t enough room for the teeth to erupt correctly, they can become crowded and cause pain and other problems.
- Pericoronitis: A condition that occurs when the soft tissue that surrounds the wisdom tooth becomes infected.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean properly, leading to tooth decay.
If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, see your dentist. They can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best course of treatment.
What is Involved in Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, and they typically come in during the late teens or early twenties. For some people, the wisdom teeth come in without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other dental problems and need to be removed.
How are wisdom teeth removals done?
Wisdom teeth removals are typically done in a dentist’s office. The dentist will first give the patient a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, the dentist will use a unique tool to loosen the wisdom tooth from the gum and bone. Once the tooth is loosened, the dentist will pull it out.
What is involved in the recovery process?
Most people experience some pain and swelling after a wisdom tooth removal. The dentist will prescribe pain medication to help ease the pain. It is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions to take care of the wound and take the pain medication. It is also necessary to drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods in the days following the surgery.
Which Treatment Option is Best for You?
There are a few different treatment options available, and the best choice for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the overall health of your mouth.
If you are experiencing mild pain, you may be able to treat the tooth with over-the-counter pain medication and rinses. If the pain is more severe, you may need to see a dentist for a wisdom tooth extraction. But if the wisdom tooth is impacted and not causing any pain, you may be able to leave it alone.
However, if the tooth is impacted and causing pain, you may need it extracted. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, swelling, or infection, you may need to have the wisdom tooth treated with antibiotics and surgery. No matter which treatment option you choose, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further pain and damage.
What are the Risk Factors of Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are a few risk factors associated with getting your wisdom teeth removed:
- Age: Wisdom teeth are typically removed between 16 and 18.
- Size: If your wisdom teeth are too large to fit comfortably in your mouth, they may need to be removed.
- Position: Wisdom teeth that are positioned incorrectly may also need to be removed.
- Infection: If your wisdom teeth are infected, they may need to be removed.
- Damage: If your wisdom teeth are damaged, they may need to be removed.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
In their late teens or early twenties, wisdom teeth are the third and final molars that most people get. Wisdom teeth are so named because they are the last teeth to come in and indicate maturity. Despite their name, wisdom teeth don’t always provide wisdom.
Many people find that their wisdom teeth cause pain and discomfort and must be removed.
So why do we have wisdom teeth?
The answer is not entirely clear, but it is thought that wisdom teeth may have been helpful in our ancestors’ diet. They may have been used to grind down hard foods like nuts and roots. With the advent of modern dentistry and a more varied diet, wisdom teeth are often no longer necessary. And in fact, they can often cause problems. That’s why many people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth removal is a standard and relatively safe procedure. If you consider having your wisdom teeth removed, talk to My Wisdom Tooth Dentist today! We can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is the right choice.
