Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, a time when a person is considered to be more “wise” or mature, hence the name “wisdom teeth.”

What are wisdom teeth?

Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each quadrant of the mouth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Wisdom teeth usually start to develop during the teenage years but may not fully erupt until the late teens or early twenties. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some individuals may have fewer than four or none at all.

Wisdom teeth were thought to appear when a person reached a more “wise” or mature stage of life, hence the name “wisdom teeth.” However, their emergence does not have any direct connection to wisdom or intelligence.

While wisdom teeth can be beneficial if they are healthy, fully erupted, and properly aligned, they often cause issues due to various factors. As mentioned earlier, lack of space in the jaw is a common reason why wisdom teeth become problematic. They may become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge through the gums, or they may grow at odd angles, pressing against neighboring teeth or causing crowding.

Due to these potential complications and the likelihood of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections, wisdom teeth are often recommended for removal. However, the decision to remove wisdom teeth is based on individual circumstances and should be made in consultation with a dental professional. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help assess the development and position of wisdom teeth.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

In many cases, wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems and may need to be removed. Here are some reasons why wisdom teeth extraction is often necessary:

Lack of space

Most people have jaws that are not large enough to accommodate the extra set of teeth. As a result, when wisdom teeth start to erupt, they may become impacted, meaning they get trapped beneath the gums or grow at odd angles. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.

Crowding

Even if there is enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge, they can still cause crowding issues in the mouth. The eruption of wisdom teeth can push the existing teeth out of alignment, leading to crooked or overlapping teeth.

Misalignment

Wisdom teeth may come in at an angle, horizontally or tilted, instead of vertically like other teeth. This misalignment can affect neighboring teeth, leading to problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bite issues.

Increased risk of dental issues

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean properly. Their position and difficult accessibility make them more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent these oral health problems.

Cyst or tumor formation

In some cases, a sac called a cyst may form around an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts can damage the roots of nearby teeth, the jawbone, and nerves. In rare instances, tumors may develop, necessitating the removal of the affected tooth and potentially more extensive surgical procedures.

It’s important to note that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some individuals have enough space in their jaws, and their wisdom teeth erupt without causing any problems. However, dentists and oral surgeons often recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventive measure to avoid potential complications and maintain optimal oral health. Consulting with a dental professional is essential to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action.

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Face Kraft Dental Clinic has years of experience in wisdom tooth removal. In addition, our dental clinic in Jaipur offers many dental solutions like dental implants in Jaipur, gum treatment, laser dentistry treatment in Jaipur, and more.