Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of your mouth, one in each quadrant (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right). These teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, a period often referred to as the “age of wisdom,” hence the name “wisdom teeth.”

Key Points About Wisdom Teeth:

1. Development and Timing

• Emergence: Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth. Some people may have all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer or none at all.
• Late Appearance: They appear later than the other permanent teeth, which usually come in during childhood and early adolescence.

2. Function

• Ancestral Function: Historically, wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors who had a diet that included rough, coarse food like roots, nuts, and raw meat. These teeth helped grind down such food.
• Modern Diet: With modern diets and the evolution of cooking and food preparation, the need for these extra molars has diminished.

3. Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth

• Impaction: One of the most common issues is impaction, where the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly and become trapped (impacted) in the jawbone or gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other dental problems.
• Crowding: Sometimes, when wisdom teeth try to come in, they push against other teeth, causing crowding or misalignment. This is particularly a concern if you’ve had orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth.
• Partial Eruption: When wisdom teeth only partially emerge from the gums, they can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to infections such as pericoronitis.
• Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to the formation of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or, in rare cases, tumors in the jawbone. This can damage the surrounding teeth, jawbone, and nerves.

4. Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Problems

• Pain or Discomfort: Pain in the back of the mouth is a common sign that wisdom teeth are causing problems, especially if they are impacted.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling of the gums around the affected area can occur, along with redness and tenderness.
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Some people may experience difficulty opening their mouth fully due to swelling or pain around the wisdom teeth.
• Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Infections related to wisdom teeth can cause bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.

5. Treatment and Removal

• Assessment: Dentists often monitor the development of wisdom teeth through X-rays to determine if they are likely to cause problems.
• Removal: If wisdom teeth are impacted, cause pain, or are likely to lead to future dental issues, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend their removal. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity.
• Recovery: After removal, recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Common post-operative symptoms include swelling, pain, and difficulty eating. Following post-operative care instructions is important for a smooth recovery.

6. Not Everyone Needs Removal

• Healthy Wisdom Teeth: If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and don’t cause any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor them for any potential issues.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. While they can be useful, they often cause problems such as impaction, crowding, or infection due to the lack of space in the modern human jaw. Regular dental visits and X-rays can help determine whether wisdom teeth need to be monitored or removed to prevent complications.

Jonny Fisher, DDS In Pullman, Wash & Lewiston, ID

Our experienced team is here to serve you and your family with convenient, comprehensive & comfortable dental care. We offer the latest technology and dental care at our new facility. We specialize in helping patients with dental anxiety or other barriers to care; we take great pride in providing an amazing experience. For more, visit Jonny Fisher, DDS, at our Pullman, Washington, or Lewiston, Idaho, offices. Call (509) 332-2366 or (208) 746-2668 to schedule an appointment today.