Between the age of 17-21, or as many would call it the age of wisdom, the third set of molars will begin to grow in your mouth. Commonly known as wisdom teeth, they grow on top and the bottom at the back of your mouth. 

Wisdom teeth are flatter compared to the other adult teeth you have, and they are also sharper. They often grow sideways, misaligned, or even crooked. When they grow inward, however, they can cause a shift in the placement of the other teeth, causing problems such as misalignment or overcrowding. 

From infancy to adulthood, humans develop sets of teeth. Humans have twenty baby teeth at first, which all eventually fall off, and 32 permanent teeth grow in later on as they grow. Once considered an essential tool in the human diet and believed to be “evolutionary relics,” wisdom teeth were useful to our ancestors whose diets included rough and hard-to-chew food, such as reed plants and sticks, and wisdom teeth provided as replacements as their teeth fell out or wore down. Nowadays, utensils help us crush and cut food, and proper cooking has made all food softer, making it easy for us to chew.

Genetics has made an impact on the growth of wisdom teeth on humans. About 53% of the population have at least one of their wisdom teeth develop, with women less likely to have one than men.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth cannot be seen by the naked eye. In such situations, your dentist will recommend an x-ray to verify whether or not you have wisdom teeth under your gums. Wisdom teeth, whether visible or not, can cause different oral problems, especially if they are impacted.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When your jawbone does not have enough room in your mouth to accommodate the additional set of molars or if your wisdom tooth gets stuck under your gum, you may have a case of an impacted wisdom tooth. This kind of tooth is more susceptible to decay, oral health problems, and gum diseases.

Symptoms impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Bad breath
  • Swelling or pain in your mouth
  • Swollen, bleeding, or red gums
  • Difficulties when opening your mouth
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth

Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to the development of cysts in the surrounding area, resulting in damage to the tooth and nearby tissues, including the bone. In rare cases where tumours form around the cyst area, wisdom teeth removal may be complicated. Your dentist will likely recommend a comprehensive invasive surgical extraction procedure to avoid any further damage to the surrounding tissues.

Is Wisdom Tooth Important in our Life?

The truth is that wisdom teeth are not all necessary in one’s life, which is why most oral surgeons suggest wisdom teeth extraction, especially if there are visible signs of infection. Because there are always risks associated with this procedure, it is important to discuss your options with your dentist before deciding whether or not to have them removed. If you choose to keep your wisdom teeth, regular check-ups with your dentist are a must. Since problems with wisdom teeth tend to develop at the later stage, it is vital that you monitor yours closely.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Edmonton to help you extract your wisdom teeth, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Posted in Dental News & Advice