What Are Wisdom Teeth?
These teeth are also known as third molars and typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Often, an initial evaluation is performed by your child’s dentist by age 16. Wisdom teeth are commonly removed because most mouths are too small to fit four extra teeth.
So, if there isn’t enough space for them in most mouths, why do we have them? Most scientists believe they were necessary for our ancestors, even if we don’t really use them today. They were useful when the human diet consisted mostly of raw meat, leaves, roots, and nuts. These days most of us cook our food rather than eating it raw and use cutlery to cut, crush, and smash our food rather than relying on our teeth. As a result, we don’t really need wisdom teeth anymore.
What You Need to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
When a wisdom tooth forms but does not erupt, it is impacted. Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge are known as partially impacted wisdom teeth. In the case of impaction, the tooth is likely to grow at an angle due to a lack of space. There are many issues that can arise due to impaction. Your dentist will likely recommend wisdom tooth removal if teeth are impacted to avoid the following outcomes:
Are There Any Cons to Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth do have some advantages. They can provide the support needed for a dental bridge. Wisdom teeth can also fill in gaps left after the loss of another molar. In fact, some scientists believe that wisdom teeth could be used in the future as a source for stem cells which could be used to develop new teeth.
These days, dentists often use new dental technology during your child’s dental exam to determine if extraction is necessary. Panoramic and digital X-rays help dentists see things that might be missed with a simple visual exam. Using X-ray technology can also help your child’s dentist identify any additional risks from individual anatomical features. This tech also helps the dentist determine the best approach for the removal procedure for your child.
What to Expect From the Procedure:
Usually, a wisdom teeth removal procedure is performed under local anesthesia. If your child is particularly anxious about the procedure, consult with your dentist or oral surgeon before the procedure about anesthesia supplements or alternatives that might help.
Knowing what to expect from a dental procedure can help your child feel less anxious about their wisdom teeth removal. So, what can you expect? What exactly is the procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental surgery procedure that involves cutting through the gum tissue covering the tooth, removing the connective tissue between the wisdom tooth and the bone, removing the wisdom tooth, and sewing the gum closed again. Occasionally, the bone around an impacted tooth must be removed in order to perform the extraction. In some instances, the wisdom tooth may need to be cut into sections to be removed.
Your child should not experience any pain during the surgery, because they will be under local or general anesthesia. However, after surgery, many people do experience pain. The amount of discomfort depends on whether you give your child pain medication and the child’s tolerance for discomfort. Generally, most children experience some level of discomfort for three days after the procedure.
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL FAQ
You shouldn’t feel any pain during the removal because the area will be numb. If you do have any discomfort, tell your dentist or oral surgeon so they can adjust your anesthesia.
A common misconception is that it may be necessary to “break the jaw” to remove difficult wisdom teeth. However, this is never the case.
Removal of Wisdom teeth should always be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, they’ll take an X-ray of your mouth to help determine whether you need an oral surgeon for your procedure.
In terms of facial appearance, some people find that the removal makes their jaw appear more narrow.
Most extractions don’t require immediate action. However, waiting too long can lead to infection, orthodontic problems, or even an abscess.