What is Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom Teeth Symptoms and Surgical Extraction
Teeth are body structures classified according to their function and location. Sharp teeth allow food to be broken into smaller pieces, while flat teeth are responsible for grinding food into pieces. Wisdom teeth are among the teeth with this flat surface and are classified as molar teeth. Molar teeth are located in the back of the mouth. In adults, molar teeth, which are three sets in both the lower and upper jaws, are found on both sides of the mouth. From infancy to early adolescence, milk teeth first develop in humans, and then these teeth emerge. A new set of teeth develops to replace the lost milk teeth. After this stage, a pause phase begins, and after this phase, the last set of teeth begins to appear. The teeth formed due to this development at older ages are called wisdom teeth.
What is Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to form in adulthood. Adult individuals usually have 32 teeth. Among these teeth, the third molars, called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop. Wisdom tooth development usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. While wisdom teeth emerging in normal anatomical positions do not usually cause any problems, in some individuals with problems with their gums or jaw structure, wisdom teeth become difficult to erupt and may cause various symptoms.
What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth?
In any case of wisdom teeth, dental radiographs are one of the primary examinations performed by dentists. Thanks to dental radiographs, one can have an idea about the routes of wisdom teeth. Apart from direct radiographs, wisdom teeth may also cause some disturbing symptoms when they come out. Complaints that may occur during wisdom teeth eruption can be generally summarized as follows:
- Edema in the back of the gums at the level of the third molar tooth
- pain in jaw
- Tenderness or bleeding in the gums
- Restriction in jaw joint range of motion
- Development of bad taste in the mouth
- bad breath
Pain caused by wisdom teeth is generally of moderate intensity. However, it can also cause sharp and severe pain in some individuals. Pain complaints tend to become evident especially during chewing of foods. Care should be taken as the occurrence of various complaints may indicate that there are factors that prevent the eruption of wisdom teeth. The development of this situation in wisdom teeth, whose normal development process is prevented, is usually caused by not having enough space in the jaw. It is recommended to be conscious as inflammatory tooth and gum disorders may develop over time in wisdom teeth that cannot come out and remain embedded in the gums, which may damage the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
Wisdom Tooth Pain
When wisdom teeth come out, many individuals may complain of pain due to factors that prevent this process from completing normally. Various studies indicate that approximately 70% of individuals with wisdom teeth may have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Various gum diseases may develop in wisdom teeth, which manifest themselves with pain, due to infection, caries development or increased bacterial growth. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals complaining of wisdom tooth pain immediately contact health institutions and get support from dentists.
How to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The human oral structure generally does not have enough space for 32 teeth. Wisdom teeth, among these teeth, are the last teeth to develop and while they take their place in the mouth, some teeth may start to become crooked and cause complaints such as infection and gum edema. The total number of wisdom teeth in adults is usually four. While some individuals do not have any wisdom teeth, it should not be forgotten that, although rare, some individuals may have more than four wisdom teeth. Having a small jaw and a tight tooth arrangement may prevent wisdom teeth from emerging, and these teeth may not be able to take their place in the mouth. In this case, wisdom teeth may begin to develop in a different direction than normal. Wisdom teeth that move away from their normal anatomical plane and try to reach the surface may cause both pain and damage to the surrounding tooth structures.
Where do wisdom teeth appear?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molar teeth located at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth, which can start their journey towards the surface at any time from the age of 17 to the mid-20s, complete this process and take their place in the jaw.
At What Age Does Wisdom Teeth Appear?
The answer to the question “at what age do wisdom teeth appear” may vary from person to person. Generally, the emergence of wisdom teeth occurs in late adolescence and early adulthood. Therefore, the expression “Wisdom teeth start to appear between the ages of 17-21” can be used for the age range. However, it should not be forgotten that wisdom teeth may start to appear in some individuals before or after this age range.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Wisdom Teeth?
How long it takes for wisdom teeth to erupt may vary depending on the individual’s jaw structure, tooth alignment, anatomical features of the oral structures and various genetic factors. Being able to complete this process, which usually starts between the ages of 17-21; It can be quite challenging, especially in individuals who do not have enough space for these teeth in the jaw area. In these cases, dentists may recommend to their patients that wisdom teeth be removed by surgical intervention. Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure and although it varies from patient to patient, it usually has a recovery period of 1 week.
How is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Done?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that is performed on the same day and the patient is discharged. The procedure, in which sedation or local anesthesia is applied, can be completed under outpatient clinic conditions. In some individuals, general anesthesia may be necessary before the procedure. In these cases, it may be possible for the patient to stay in the hospital for a while to recover and perform the necessary checks. After wisdom tooth extraction, patients gradually regain the feeling of their intraoral structures. It is natural to experience some pain and edema after the operation. It is also common for people to bleed from the back of their mouth on the first day after the operation. It is recommended that individuals apply cold to their face after wisdom tooth extraction. Apart from these applications, dentists may also prescribe some painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic active drugs for patients to use.
Once the patients recover from the effects of anesthesia and feel ready, discharge procedures can begin. After wisdom tooth extraction, it is recommended to consume soft foods and avoid habits such as alcohol, caffeine or tobacco use. At the same time, feeding through a straw after extraction is among the most common mistakes. It is very important to be aware of this incorrect practice, which can cause various complications, in order to complete the healing process in a healthy way.
Wisdom teeth are teeth located in the back of the mouth and begin to appear in early adulthood. If there are various factors that prevent these teeth from reaching the surface, various complaints, especially pain, may occur. If you have various signs and symptoms regarding your wisdom teeth, it is recommended that you seek support from dentists.
