The word wisdom teeth may not sound like anything related to oral health, but the truth is that it is nothing more than the scientific term for wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are one of the most common elements in dental surgery, as it is not surprising that many people require their extraction.
However, wisdom teeth extraction is not always mandatory and there are even patients who do not feel any discomfort during their eruption.
In this article, we explain what problems wisdom teeth can cause and under what circumstances it is necessary to remove them.
What are wisdom teeth and why do they emerge?
The wisdom teeth are the four molars that emerge in the back of the mouth, both in the upper and lower arches.
In the complete dentition, the dentition is made up of a total of 28 teeth plus those 4 wisdom teeth.
Depending on the individual and his or her development, wisdom teeth can erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 and sometimes take several years to fully appear.
Therefore, an adult person with all four wisdom teeth will have a total of 32 teeth.
Adults without wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth do not really have an indispensable function in terms of chewing or esthetics.
That is why, just as the exact age at which they begin to emerge can vary, there are people who never get them.
It is also possible to have only one or two wisdom teeth and that the rest present dental agenesis, that is, the complete absence of that tooth.
If this is your case, you should not worry, because not having all four wisdom teeth does not imply a problem at all.
Wisdom tooth
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WISDOM TOOTH COMING OUT
When is it recommended to extract wisdom teeth?
As we have mentioned before, it is very common that, within dental surgeries, wisdom teeth extraction is performed.
The question we are commonly asked by our patients is whether it is necessary to extract wisdom teeth in all cases.
Wisdom teeth are only extracted if they present problems for the patient or if they compromise the stability of the rest of the teeth.
The truth is that the simplest answer is to deny this statement, although we are going to detail the circumstances under which they should be removed:
It is not coming out in the right position
If the wisdom tooth is emerging transversally and not vertically, it is common for the person to suffer considerable discomfort and even pain or inflammation.
If the wisdom tooth is directly impacting the adjacent molar, swelling of the face or, in the worst cases, infection of the wisdom tooth is common.
Lack of space in the arch
Even if the wisdom tooth is in the correct position, there may not be enough space for it to erupt normally.
In these cases, the rest of the teeth may be compromised because, due to the thrust of the wisdom tooth, crowding may occur.
If so, and depending on the severity of the case, in addition to the extraction of the wisdom tooth, orthodontic treatment may be indicated.
Even if you have no symptoms…
Visit your dentist frequently when you notice that your wisdom teeth are coming out to check that everything is going as it should.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
As we have just indicated in the previous point, knowing if you need to extract your wisdom teeth can be very simple since the symptoms are easy to identify.
However, keep in mind that, even if they are coming out without problems, it is very normal to feel some pain at some point.
To alleviate it, it is very useful to take an analgesic drug that your dentist can recommend.
But the best way to know if your wisdom teeth are going to cause you problems is to go to a dental clinic.
Ultimately, it will be the dentist who will make a study of your mouth to determine whether or not exodontia is necessary.
To find out, just take a dental x-ray and check the condition of the wisdom tooth.
Wisdom teeth
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DENTAL X-RAY
Steps to follow in wisdom tooth surgery
If the specialist has already confirmed that extraction surgery is necessary, a series of steps must be taken prior to the intervention.
This will avoid any complication or unforeseen event during the operation and also during the postoperative period.
After the relevant radiographic tests to check the condition and position of the wisdom tooth and the adjacent teeth, the dentist will assess other aspects of the person.
Depending on the condition and position of the wisdom teeth, if there is more than one, the dentist will have to assess whether to remove only one tooth or more than one.
This procedure is always performed under dental anesthesia. But if requested by the patient, it is possible to use other methods of sedation to help relax the patient.
Once the extraction has been carried out, the dentist will give a series of instructions that the patient must comply with.
The objective is to facilitate recovery and avoid any type of complication following the extraction.
WE CHECK YOUR WISDOM TEETH
Here are some general guidelines and tips:
During the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid rinsing and brushing your teeth.
After that time, you can do so, but avoid the surgical area so as not to damage the stitches.
It is normal to feel some swelling and discomfort when opening the mouth, which will subside after a few days.
You can apply cold to the outside of your face to alleviate the swelling sensation.
Until these symptoms disappear, take a diet of soft and cold foods.
Take the mediation prescribed by your dentist and for the time stipulated by the professional.
Eliminate, or at least reduce as much as possible, the habit of smoking because it favors the appearance of infections.
We hope that with this information you are clearer about the cases in which wisdom teeth should be removed.
Even so, our advice is always to go to a dental clinic you trust so that a professional can evaluate you in person.
If you have any other questions or would like to make an appointment for us to examine your oral health, you can leave us your details through the contact form or by calling 917 68 18 12.
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