Wisdom Teeth: Impactions and Extractions

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the last tooth position of each jaw quadrant. They are the last teeth to grow, usually appearing between the ages of 16 and 34. People usually have four wisdom teeth, but it's possible to have more or fewer than that. Extra wisdom teeth are called supernumerary wisdom teeth. Absence of one or more is a condition called hypodontia.

Wisdom teeth are extracted to correct an existing problem (e.g., when a wisdom tooth is impacted) or to prevent problems that may arise in the future. Problems that may be caused by impacted wisdom teeth include infections due to food particles trapped in the area where brushing and flossing is difficult or ineffective. In certain cases, such infections are a frequent occurrence, which can cause a person to suffer considerable pain, even medical danger. Impacted wisdom teeth causing increasingly higher pressure inside the jaws as the teeth grow can also cause unbearable suffering.

Wisdom tooth extraction should only be performed by a dental professional with sufficient training and experience in such procedures. The reasons behind a patient's need to have his wisdom teeth extracted should be explained to him fully by his dentist after a dental examination, which often includes x-rays. A panoramic x-ray is the best available diagnostic tool for people with problematic wisdom teeth.

Things You Have to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that people usually get once they reach their late teens or early twenties. At times, when these teeth are properly aligned and healthy, they become an important asset. Unfortunately, these teeth are often misaligned or impacted and will need removal.

To know if you have a problem with your wisdom tooth, you should schedule an appointment with your trusted dentist. When you go to the dental office, an x-ray will be done to assess the presence and alignment of your wisdom teeth. By doing this, the dentist may recommend whether the wisdom teeth needs to be extracted to prevent potential problems.

Extraction of wisdom teeth may depend on their position and stage of development. If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted through the gum, then it can be removed just like a normal tooth. However, if it is partially covered by the gums or deeply planted on the jawbone, oral surgery may be necessary for complete and convenient removal.

So what happens once a wisdom tooth is removed? In the first 24 hours, the face may swell, particularly in the affected area. Also, slight bleeding may occur several hours after the tooth was extracted. For pain management, patients are prescribed pain relievers that they can take for the first few days.