People say wisdom comes with age, and so do wisdom teeth.
Our bodies undergo several changes in our lifetime, including our teeth and how they grow through the years. You start with your baby teeth, then your adult teeth, and your wisdom teeth come out last during your late teens to early twenties.
Sometimes, growing your wisdom teeth presents no issue. They come out of your gums and integrate well with the rest of your teeth. However, the process isn’t so simple for other people and could even require surgery to correct.
In this post, we will talk about wisdom teeth and what you can do to handle them should anything go sideways during your wisdom teeth growth process.
What Are Wisdom Teeth? Why Do We Have Them?
Wisdom teeth, also called your third molars, are the last teeth to appear in your mouth. They usually emerge between ages 17 and 21, the usual transition to adulthood, thus the nickname “wisdom” teeth.
Your teeth are categorized according to their placement and function in your mouth. The sharper teeth near the front of your mouth are meant to tear into your food.
On the other hand, the flat-topped teeth at the back of your mouth are for grinding the food into smaller pieces for swallowing.
Your wisdom teeth are part of the latter group, your molars. Once your wisdom teeth come in, you will have three sets.
Research suggests that the late growth of your wisdom teeth or third molars from your jawbone might have been necessitated by the rougher diets of prehistoric people. They did not yet have the means to tenderize meat or other tough foods.
If your wisdom teeth grow correctly, they could help you chew food more efficiently and quickly. Growing out your wisdom teeth could cause a bit of discomfort, but they should not be extremely painful. If you feel intense pain, it might be time to talk to your dentist about wisdom teeth removal.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
You could expect your wisdom teeth to come in if you’re between the ages of 17 and 21. However, this is only a rough estimate. They might start erupting a while before or after this period, or even not at all.
It’s often easy to spot if your wisdom teeth are coming in. Sometimes, the process causes little to no discomfort.
However, if you experience pain or any of the symptoms below, you must immediately schedule a visit with your dentist to protect your oral health.
Irritation in the Gums
One common symptom of erupting wisdom teeth is gum irritation, especially on or around the area where your third molars are supposed to grow. This may manifest as mild to moderate swelling and tenderness in the gums.
Aches and Pains
As your wisdom teeth start coming in, you may experience a dull ache in the back of your mouth. In more severe cases, this ache could become intense and more frequent pain that necessitates immediate relief.
Pain in Other Areas
In some cases, erupting wisdom teeth could put pressure on nerves that cause pain in other parts of the body, such as around your jaw, eyes, ears, and head.
Redness
The irritation caused by the growth of your wisdom teeth could also lead to redness and swelling in your gums, especially as your third molars start pushing through.
Small White Specks
As your wisdom teeth come closer to the surface of your gums, you can see some tiny white specks on your gums. These are the tops of your third molar teeth beginning to come out.
Reasons Your Wisdom Teeth Might Need to be Removed
For some lucky individuals, their wisdom teeth grow without significant pain or issues and do not require removal. However, the wisdom tooth eruption process does present great pain or discomfort for many others and will need surgery to remove.
Here are four reasons your wisdom teeth might require removal.
They’re Impacted
One common reason for wisdom teeth extraction is if they are impacted.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one of the dental emergencies requiring a visit to the dentist. It could be excruciating, cause cysts, and even affect nearby teeth.
Your wisdom teeth might also become trapped in your gums or jawbone and won’t have enough room to come out, causing extreme pain.
They Come In at the Wrong Angle
If your third molars grow at the wrong angle, they could push against your other teeth, hindering their growth and causing pain.
Should they manage to grow, they could be positioned at awkward angles that make it difficult for you to clean them properly. Bacteria could grow in these spaces, causing tooth decay and other diseases.
You Have Cavities or Gum Disease
Having existing oral health issues like cavities or gum disease could complicate the growth of your wisdom teeth. This is especially true if it hinders you from performing basic oral care practices like brushing or using dental floss.
Your Mouth Isn’t Big Enough
People have different mouth anatomies, and some do not have enough space for new teeth. Your dentist might advise you to have your wisdom teeth removed if your mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate them.
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A Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal
To remove your third molars, you will need to undergo surgery. It might seem terrifying, but your dentist will guide you through the process. Know what to expect and what happens before, during, and after your procedure.
Before Surgery
Before your wisdom teeth extraction, you will meet with your oral surgeon to help you prepare. They may take some initial x-rays to get a clearer picture of the problem.
Make sure to do the following:
- Schedule the appointment and take appropriate time off work or school.
- Bring up any existing health problems or medications you have.
- Discuss your anesthesia.
- Ask questions.
During Surgery
Before the procedure begins, you will get one type of anesthesia to numb the pain: local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation, depending on your needs or the clinic’s availability.
Your oral surgeon may cut through the gums or bone to get the impacted teeth out and stitch up the wounds. The process usually takes around 45 minutes.
After Surgery
People have different responses to anesthesia. Some people may feel alert immediately after the surgery, while others could still be drowsy or disoriented. To stay safe, have someone else take you home after the procedure.
You may experience mild pain or swelling for a few weeks after the surgery. You can take pain medication, such as Tylenol, to ease your discomfort. Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes would be best to avoid disturbing your injuries.
Get Your Teeth Professionally Checked Today at Dentistry On 7th!
Wisdom teeth extraction and other oral surgeries might seem frightening, but it is necessary to maintain good oral health.
When combined with good oral hygiene practices, the pain will soon subside, and you’ll be on your way to recovery.
With the city’s diverse economic profile, which includes healthcare services and social assistance, you’re sure to find a Hamilton dental office like Dentistry on 7th to address your dental concerns.
Our expert dental team has years of experience surrounding several areas of dentistry to help you maintain good oral and dental health. We can give you the comfort and confidence you need in your daily life.
Keeping impacted wisdom teeth may increase your risk of infection, decay, or bone damage. Make an appointment with Dentistry on 7th to learn more about improving your dental health!
FAQs on Wisdom Teeth
How long do wisdom teeth take to grow?
It depends on the person. It can sometimes take years for wisdom teeth to fully emerge, while for others, they never come in at all.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last if not removed?
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, the pain may not subside unless you have them removed. Normal wisdom tooth growth may cause some discomfort but not intense pain.
What can you not do when you get your wisdom teeth out?
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you must avoid the following:
- Using straws, sucking, smoking, or spitting. These actions could disturb the blood clot that prevents the tooth socket or extraction site from bleeding.
- Hard or sharp foods like popcorn and potato chips.
- Rinsing your mouth too vigorously with regular or salt water.