What Are The Impacts Of Wisdom Teeth On Your Oral Health?
Wisdom teeth also known as third molars, got their name because they grow in at the back of your mouth when you are older and wiser. Unlike your other adult teeth, which normally start growing in when you are about six years old, wisdom teeth wait and emerge when you are between 17 and 25 years old. Actually, not everyone grows in wisdom teeth, but if you do, then you may require to have them extracted.
In most cases, wisdom teeth are impacted causing a lot of pain and severe oral issues. Most times the dentists suggest that you have them removed as preventative care. If you decide on extracting them, you don’t have to worry because you will get well within a few days. Also, with the advancement of technology in dentistry, the process is painless and has minimal discomfort.
What is the Function and purpose of wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are believed to be remnants of the evolutionary. They were used by our distant ancestors to eat their food which mostly consisted of tough foods such as sticks, nuts and roots. Wisdom teeth provided replacements when the other teeth wore down and fell out. Today, with modern technology advancements in dental health and softer foods, we do not need wisdom teeth. However, they still grow in. Fundamentally, our mouths can comfortably hold 28 teeth, but when you include the wisdom teeth, they total to 32 teeth all competing for space.
Is it wise to remove wisdom teeth?
As much as wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, it is not always necessary. If they grow in with no issues, you can decide on keeping them. However, many times wisdom teeth need to be extracted as a preventative measure for your dental health.
If you experience any of the following wisdom teeth symptoms, then there is a high possibility that your teeth need to be removed:
– Pain at the back of your mouth. This pain gradually increases as the teeth continue to grow in pressing on the nerves and bone, misaligned and crowded.
– Redness, tenderness and swelling around the area. When wisdom teeth emerge through the gums, bacteria get the chance to enter through the open gum tissue resulting in infections.
– Weird taste in your mouth.
– Bad breath.
What happens if you do not remove your wisdom teeth?
Due to the lack of space, wisdom teeth can become impacted and misaligned. Impaction and misalignment can lead to:
– Tumours
A sac that filled with fluid may form next to the tooth creating a cyst. And when this cyst is not treated, it can cause deterioration of the bone and roots. The cysts can also develop into tumours which can only be removed through surgery.
– Shifting of the other teeth
The shifting can lead to dental problems such as jaw pain, gum disease and tooth sensitivity.
– Infections
Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can lead to infections. These infections occur when food remains get trapped between the gums and the impacted teeth resulting in inflammation, pain, swelling and fever.
Bottom Line
If you or your any of your family members suspect that they have impacted wisdom teeth, feel free to book an appointment with our dentist in Melbourne. We will gladly answer all your questions that you may have and make your experience as comfortable as possible.