Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, and for many people, they can be a real pain. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about wisdom teeth eruption- from what they are to when they come in to why most of them end up getting extracted. We’ll also talk about the different types of extractions and when each is necessary. So if you’re wondering whether or not your wisdom teeth are on their way, read on!
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, and they typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. They are called wisdom teeth because they come in at a time when people are considered to be wiser than they were as children. For some people, wisdom teeth never cause any problems and they erupt just like any other tooth. However, for others, wisdom teeth can be a real pain.
In fact, when your wisdom teeth are starting to come in, you may experience some symptoms like pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the gums. You may also notice that your teeth are shifting or that you have difficulty opening your mouth all the way. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist so they can assess the situation. Your dentist will perform an exam and dental x-rays to determine if there are any problems with your erupting teeth.
There is one main reason why wisdom teeth can cause problems. Since they are the last teeth to come in, the mouth is usually already pretty full by the time they erupt. This means that there isn’t always enough room for them to come in properly. A lack of space is also due to humans having a smaller oral cavity than our ancestors. While wisdom teeth once existed to grind down tough foods, our jaws have become smaller over time due to a softer diet. Unfortunately, this means that wisdom teeth often become impacted- meaning they get stuck in the jaw and can’t come in all the way.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. They may also lead to other problems like infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and even cysts. For these reasons, it is often recommended that wisdom teeth be removed.
Why Extraction is Usually Necessary
In most cases, wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. This is because there is often not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly. Additionally, because they are located in difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth, they are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease.
There are two types of wisdom teeth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is when the dentist removes the tooth without having to cut through the gums. A surgical extraction is when the dentist makes an incision in the gums to remove the tooth. Surgical extractions are usually only necessary if the tooth is impacted, which means it is stuck beneath the gums or has only partially erupted.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed everything you need to know about wisdom teeth- from what they are to why they need to be extracted. We hope that this has given you a better understanding of your own teeth and how to take care of them! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. And remember, if you think your wisdom teeth may be coming in, it’s important to see a dentist so they can assess the situation.
Dr. Gerald Sisko graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1987. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Akron Dental Society where he is currently holding a council position. He has had the honor and distinction of being awarded “TOP DENTIST” in Akron and Cleveland as well as Northeast Ohio for the last several consecutive years.
