Wisdom teeth – What to pay attention to?  

Wisdom teeth are the third molars (backmost molars) that typically emerge in early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. While these teeth can be beneficial when healthy and properly aligned, impacted wisdom teeth often present various dental problems that require treatment and sometimes removal in the form of wisdom teeth extraction.

Also known as third molars, they are the last adult teeth. Each person typically has four of them, one in each quadrant of the mouth. These teeth are often referred to as “wisdom teeth” because they typically appear during a period of life considered the “age of wisdom.” In this text you will learn, what to pay attention to.

Common problems associated with wisdom teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause problems because of lack of space, misalignment, or impaction where they do not fully erupt through the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, blood clots, and other discomfort.

• Impacted teeth: A common problem with wisdom teeth is impaction, where the teeth do not fully emerge from the gums. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
• Infections and inflammations: Third molars can also be susceptible to infection and inflammation called periodontitis (periodontitis treatment), especially if they are only partially protruding. This condition can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty opening your mouth.
• Lack of space: In some cases, the emergence of third molars can cause overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment of other teeth and the need for orthodontic treatment.

How do I notice that the “teeth of wisdom” are growing?

• Pain in the Back of the Mouth: A common sign of wisdom teeth problems is pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, especially when chewing or opening the mouth. Wisdom teeth can also cause pain in the jaw or neck area, especially if they press against adjacent structures.
• Swelling and redness: Inflammation of the gums around the teeth can cause swelling, redness, and possibly sensitivity.
• Difficulty opening your mouth: When wisdom teeth press against adjacent teeth or gums, it can cause difficulty opening your mouth.
• Unpleasant taste or smell: An infection or inflammation can cause an unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth.
• Difficulty brushing teeth: Because of their position in the mouth, teeth can be difficult to reach, which can lead to difficulty brushing teeth thoroughly.

Treatment options for wisdom teeth

• Observation: In some cases, wisdom teeth do not cause any problems and can simply be observed to ensure that they are developing properly and not causing complications.
• Pain relief: For mild discomfort, painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce the pain and swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with third molars.
• Tooth extraction: If the teeth are causing problems or there is a risk of future problems, an extraction may be necessary. This procedure is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and can be done under local or general anesthesia.
• Surgical removal: In cases of impaction or complications, surgical removal of the tooth may be necessary. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires a longer recovery time than a simple extraction.

Myths and misconceptions about wisdom teeth

1. All wisdom teeth must be removed: This is a common misconception. While many people have problems with them and require removal, there are also cases where wisdom teeth are healthy and do not need to be removed.
2. Wisdom teeth always cause pain: Although tooth growth is often associated with pain and discomfort, not all people have problems with their wisdom teeth. Some of the teeth can erupt easily without causing any discomfort.
3. Removal is dangerous: While every surgery carries certain risks, wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure performed by experienced dentists or oral surgeons. With modern techniques and anesthesia methods, the risk of complications is usually low.
4. Wisdom teeth are useless: Another myth is that wisdom teeth have no function and therefore can be removed. In fact, healthy and properly positioned wisdom teeth can play an important role in chewing and grinding food, especially in people who have lost their other teeth.
5. Ignoring signs is safe: A common misconception is that wisdom teeth can be ignored if they don’t cause pain. Even if wisdom teeth do not cause immediate discomfort, they can cause long-term problems such as: E.g. tooth decay, gum disease or orthodontic problems.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth are an important part of oral health, but they can often be associated with problems. Although not all need to be removed, their development and potential problems may require careful monitoring.

Cosmedica Dental dental clinic in Turkey provides professional and quality dental care, including diagnosis, treatment and surgical removal of wisdom teeth. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced specialist staff, patients can rest assured that their wisdom teeth are in the best hands.

If you have any questions about your wisdom teeth or would like professional advice, you can confidently contact the Cosmedica Dental clinic to receive a solution tailored to your needs.

FAQs

The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so patients usually do not feel any pain. However, discomfort may occur during the recovery period. Recovery time varies from person to person, but is generally about a week. Although rare, some patients are at higher risk of developing dry sockets or nerve damage. Therefore, it is important to avoid physical exertion in the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth surgery.