w like wisdom tooth

W as in Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth are the third molars.  Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left.  The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age.  The second molars grow in at around age 12.  The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 17 to 21 years.  Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, "wisdom teeth."  Actually, they are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth.  They are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship and have healthy gum tissue around them.  Unfortunately, this does not always happen.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted.  In other words, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow.  However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

 

Symptoms may include:

 

·         Pain

·         Infection in the mouth

·         Facial swelling

·         Swelling of the gum line in the back of the mouth

Many oral health specialists will recommend removal of the wisdom teeth before they are fully developed, usually in the adolescent years, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar.

Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through the soft and hard tissue, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone and removing the tooth.  Extractions can be performed under local anesthesia.