Wisdom teeth often known as third molars are the last teeth to erupt in the oral cavity. One usually gets them in late teens or early twenties.(Generally a person is said to achieve wisdom when he is an adult, around 18 years of age. Hence the term Wisdom teeth, as they erupt around that age.)
However, even instances of eruption in late adulthood are common.
A wisdom tooth can erupt anytime between 16 to 60 years of age.
If there is adequate space in the jaw, wisdom teeth or 3rd molars can erupt smoothly.
However in most cases, there is inadequate space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth. Hence they erupt partially or sometimes fail to erupt completely. It is also possible that wisdom tooth is impacted. This means that the wisdom teeth remain intact in the soft tissue and partially break or erupt through the gums.
When there is improper alignment of wisdom teeth in the jaw, they tend to damage adjacent teeth, cause food lodgement, gum inflammation, and eventually need to be removed.
It is not necessary to remove wisdom teeth as long as they are not causing any problems.
You may need to get wisdom teeth extracted/removed in the following conditions:
If wisdom teeth are impacted and causing pain, redness, foul breath, bad taste, and/or swelling in the gums
Sometimes after Orthodontic treatment it is suggested to get wisdom teeth removed to prevent crowding of teeth
If they are causing food lodgement, eventually decaying the adjacent tooth
Sometimes wisdom teeth may cause difficulty in opening the mouth. It is advised to remove them at that stage.
Generally wisdom teeth are locked inside the gums and bone. In such cases, it is imperative to incise the gums, free the wisdom teeth from the bone and then remove it by sectioning.
At Trudentz Multispeciality Dental and Wisdom tooth removal centre, Powai, Chandivali, we have on panel one of the best teams of Oral surgeons, to handle any cases of wisdom teeth extraction.
Avoid vigorous rinsing
Do not spit for an hour after the extraction
Avoid hot,spicy and hard foods for 24 hours
Use ice application on the cheeks
Follow the prescribed medication
Swelling around the mouth and cheeks is common for a couple of days
Be on a liquid/ semisolid diet for the first few days. Avoid the use of a straw.
Q.1. Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
It is not necessary to remove wisdom teeth as long as they are not causing any problems. But if they are causing any pain/swelling/tenderness or food lodgement, it is better to remove wisdom teeth.
Q.2.Does wisdom tooth removal need surgery and anesthesia?
Wisdom Tooth removal is a minor surgical procedure, which can be comfortably carried out under Local Anesthesia.
Q.3. How Long Does The Pain Last After The Removal Of Wisdom Teeth?
It may last from 2 to 5 days after the removal.