One of the most frequently asked questions in oral and maxillofacial surgery centers is about wisdom teeth. In fact, their extraction is one of the most frequently performed procedures.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars or wisdom teeth, are the last teeth (molars) to appear.
When do wisdom teeth appear?
There are occasions when they never erupt, but they usually appear between the ages of 16 and 22. There are also cases in which they appear at younger ages or several years later.
Another curiosity is that there are cases in which only some of them appear and not all 4, or there are those who do not produce any.
Why do they have this name?
They are given this name because their appearance usually coincides when the person reaches adulthood, between 18 and 22 years of age, and in theory the trial comes to them.
Where are they located?
They are located in the posterior area of each dental arch (upper and lower jaw).
What happens if wisdom teeth do not appear?
After the age of 18, it is recommended to see a specialist for an evaluation and report on their appearance and development. From this point on, a decision will be made as to whether or not they need to be extracted.
When is it necessary to extract a wisdom tooth?
There are different reasons that may make extraction necessary:
- Abnormal growth.
- When crowding occurs.
- When they are retained within the bone.
- When they impact against other teeth.
- When they do not have space for their correct development.
- When they cause discomfort in the temporomandibular joint.
What are the common symptoms and discomfort?
When there is enough space for the wisdom tooth, there is very little discomfort. It mainly produces inflammation and gum pain, at the end of the mouth.
What are the symptoms and discomfort during growth?
If the new molars do not have enough space or grow crooked, the discomfort may be:
- Headache
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing
- Severe pain in the area of the new molars
- Swelling and/or redness of the cheek.
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In this case, it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible to rule out possible infections in the bone or area.
What are the symptoms and discomfort in case of infection in the molar?
- Severe pain
- Bad breath
- Appearance of pus in the area
- A lot of inflammation