Wisdom teeth: everything you need to know

One of the last teeth to erupt in adulthood are the wisdom teeth. They are often associated with pain and different oral problems, so it is common to feel worried when thinking about them.

However, there are many false myths surrounding wisdom teeth. We often don't have all the information we need to take good care of them.

Do you also want to know more about wisdom teeth and all the truths about them? We solve the main doubts and disprove the beliefs that are not entirely true.

What are wisdom teeth?

Also known as wisdom teeth, they are the 4 teeth that come out of the back of the mouth, just behind the second molars. For this reason they are often colloquially called 'third molars'.

These teeth are always the last to erupt into the gums, and they usually do so in young adulthood. In some people they may appear earlier, while in others they never erupt at all.

Depending on whether or not wisdom teeth erupt, the total number of teeth in an adult can vary. While a permanent dentition usually has a total of 32 teeth, there are cases in which they do not erupt, or only some of them appear, but not all.

What is its function?

More and more people are failing to fully develop their third molars . This is due to genetic evolution, as they currently have no specific function in the human body.

Wisdom teeth were very useful teeth for our ancestors, when the size of the mouth was larger and there was more space to accommodate more teeth. By aiding the consumption of certain foods, wisdom teeth increase the chewing surface, with a size even larger than that of the first and second molars.

When do they come out?

There is no specific age at which they start to emerge. It usually occurs in adulthood, from 17 to 25 years of age.

Once the first wisdom tooth erupts, the gums and dental arches prepare for the next ones. This can lead to a repositioning of the teeth, sometimes resulting in major changes in the shape of the mouth.

Symptoms of their departure

How can I tell if my wisdom teeth are coming in? The truth is that they do not always present a specific symptomatology in all patients. It usually begins with intense pain in the jaw area, which evolves as the tooth emerges.

The gum may become inflamed, and sometimes the pain spreads across the face to the eye or ear. At certain times the eruption of the wisdom teeth may be accompanied by fever and headache, although these are temporary symptoms.

Do they have to be removed?

If this type of molars come out healthy and correctly aligned, it is not necessary to remove them. There are some cases in which the symptoms are so bothersome that it is advisable to visit the dentist for a check-up.

When the wisdom teeth do not grow vertically, but come out crooked or tilted pushing the rest of the teeth, the dentist may consider removing them. Also wisdom teeth are usually removed if there is not enough space to become lodged in the jaw, or if any complications occur during their growth.

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Main associated problems

Lack of space due to birth can compromise the health and proper positioning of the oral cavity.

It is not always necessary to remove them, but there are some reasons that may lead to the expert's decision after a thorough examination.

Crowding of teeth

The lack of space in the mouth causes these molars to push the teeth closest to them, causing them to shift. The teeth can become crowded, making proper oral hygiene difficult as they are unable to access certain recesses in the mouth.

Wisdom teeth included

Wisdom teeth are known as impacted wisdom teeth when they do not erupt. They are completely or partially covered by soft gum tissue. In some patients, cysts form, which become inflamed over time and require surgery.

Tooth decay

Another very common associated problem is the formation of cavities. If the tooth has not erupted completely, it is easier for food remains to remain between the gum and the tooth, eventually causing caries due to the action of oral bacteria.

What is wisdom tooth extraction like?

The extraction of wisdom teeth is performed under local anaesthesia by a specialist. Depending on the needs of each patient, the professional in charge of the operation may be a dentist specialised in surgery or a maxillofacial surgeon.

Teeth are only extracted if there is a problem. It is a simple surgery that is frequently performed, in which sometimes part of the bone must be removed in order to separate the root and extract the entire tooth.

The postoperative period is accompanied by discomfort for a few days, including inflammation, bleeding and bearable pain. It is necessary to follow the recommendations given by the specialist to ensure the patient's rapid recovery after wisdom teeth surgery.