Wisdom Teeth

A wisdom tooth is no different from any other tooth.  They are the last teeth to come through, so if there is insufficient space for all the teeth then the wisdom teeth are often the ones that miss out. They can remain unerupted below the gum behind the back tooth.  They can come part of the way through and then get stuck.  They can come all the way through and become healthy functioning teeth.  Most people have four wisdom teeth (though this varies), so in the one mouth you can have different teeth in different degrees of health.  Some may be healthy, some may be unhealthy.

 

Wisdom teeth are unpredictable. They normally erupt between the ages 18-22 years but if they fail to come through they can erupt at any time after this. They can give problems at virtually any age (after about 18 years of age) in a variety of ways.

 

What can go wrong with wisdom teeth?

             Infection. In a tooth that is part of the way through infection in the gum around the tooth is common. A tooth that is part in the mouth will collect plaque and because it is part under the gum it will be impossible to clean the tooth.  This is why the gum becomes infected.

             Decay. Wisdom teeth are very difficult to clean and often decay. They can also cause decay in the second back tooth by creating traps for food.

             Damage to the roots of adjacent teeth can be caused by wisdom teeth pressing against the roots of these teeth.

             Cyst.  Cysts can form around unerupted wisdom teeth.

 

What can go right with wisdom teeth?

As mentioned previously some wisdom teeth come through on time and with sufficient space.  Such teeth can remain as healthy and functioning teeth indefinitely. In any mouth some teeth can be have ample space while others will be cramped for room.

 

Why should they be removed now? Can’t I leave them and see what happens?

A lot of wisdom teeth are removed around the age of about 18-22 years.  It is much easier medically and surgically to remove them at this age.  Healing is also much quicker.  The other advantage is they can be removed before they can cause any problems to adjacent teeth. It is also much easier to remove them electively at a convenient time rather than rush around in an emergency trying to arrange everything.