The wisdom teeth (Third Molars) are usually the last set of permanent teeth to erupt. Ideally, an adult should have 4 wisdom teeth, one on the right and left side of the upper and lower jaw. They are often referred to as the ‘Wisdom teeth‘ because they come into the mouth at a mature age; they erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Being the last to erupt, they are frequently associated with some dental problems due to lack of space to move into. Because of this, some dentists recommend early removal as a precaution.
In cases with sufficient amount of space, the wisdom teeth erupt healthily and fully into the mouth. Sometimes, they may fail to erupt (embedded in bone), or erupt only partially (impaction). Usually, the period of eruption of third molars like teething may feel uncomfortable but symptoms like pain and swelling is a pointer to a more serious thing going on.
What could result from an impacted wisdom tooth
Difficulty with cleaning the teeth and gums overlying the partially erupted tooth coupled with the accumulation of food debris and traumatic biting of the gum can result in irritation of the gums, infections and other dental problems. These dental problems may include:
- Pericoronitis: an infection of the gum surrounding a partially erupted tooth. It presents as severe pain, swelling and redness of the gum, fever, difficulty in swallowing/opening the mouth, bad breath/taste in the mouth.
- Tooth decay and cavities: the wisdom tooth either develops a cavity or the tooth next to it.
- Infection and abscess formation.
- Cysts and tumors.
- Damage to neighboring teeth.
What to do about troublesome wisdom teeth
As earlier mentioned, not all wisdom teeth develop issues. When you experience any form of discomfort or pain around the wisdom tooth, it is important to see a dentist. The dentist will do a thorough assessment, take an x-ray (may need a larger x-ray called a Panoramic X-ray) to determine what modality of management would be suitable based on findings. Removal is indicated based on the dentist’s assessment. It is important to note that some factors affect how difficult management could be. These factors depend on the amount of the tooth still trapped in the bone, its position and closeness to the nerve.
When to consider removing your wisdom tooth
Wisdom Tooth infection is one of the commonest dental problems faced by young adults. The experience is different for each person as some may experience extreme symptoms, some mild symptoms while others go without symptoms. Despite not experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom tooth, the decision to have it removed may be a means to protect the adjacent tooth from having cavities due to the difficulty associated with cleaning this area effectively. Partially erupted wisdom teeth that are not extracted often require close and periodic monitoring.
Photo credit: Rocky mountain periodontal specialists, Karama dental family practice, Cleveland clinic.