What is a wisdom tooth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. They usually start to appear between the ages of 17 and 25. However, due to changes in the jaw structure during human evolution, the emergence of these teeth can cause various problems in many people.
In the past, wisdom teeth were very important for our ancestors with larger jaw structures. Extra grinding teeth were needed to chew hard and fibrous foods. Since foods were generally consumed raw or undercooked at that time, having strong chewing surfaces was a great advantage. However, over time, changing eating habits and foods becoming softer and more processed caused the jaw structure to shrink. This situation has reduced the need for wisdom teeth in the mouth structure of modern humans, and has even caused these teeth to emerge problematically in many people.
Today, many people do not have enough space in their jaws, so their wisdom teeth can remain impacted, emerge half-erupted, or develop at incorrect angles, putting pressure on neighboring teeth. These types of situations can lead to problems such as pain, swelling, infection, and tooth alignment problems. Therefore, for many people, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Erupting
The process of wisdom teeth erupting may vary from person to person and usually consists of certain stages. First, the teeth begin to develop within the jawbone and over time they move towards the gum surface. If there is enough space in the jaw structure, the teeth can erupt without any problems. However, in most people, due to the narrowness of the jaw, the teeth cannot fully erupt and may remain impacted or partially impacted.
This process sometimes manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling and sensitivity in the gums. In particular, the pressure the tooth exerts on the surrounding tissues while trying to emerge can cause inflammation and compression of neighboring teeth. Such situations require dental check-ups and in some cases, surgical intervention is recommended to remove the tooth.
What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth?
Various symptoms may occur during the process of wisdom teeth coming out, and these symptoms may vary from person to person. While this process can sometimes be overcome with mild discomfort, in some cases it can progress with more intense pain and complications.
- Gum swelling and redness: Swelling, redness and sensitivity may be seen in the gum in the area where the tooth is trying to come out. The gum tissue may become inflamed in response to the tooth’s eruption movement.
- Pain and sensitivity in the mouth: As wisdom teeth come out, they can cause pain by putting pressure on the surrounding tissues. This pain, which is felt especially behind the jaw and in the deep parts of the gum, can sometimes manifest itself as a throbbing pain.
- Difficulty and discomfort while chewing: Sensitivity may increase during chewing due to the pressure in the area where the tooth is trying to come out. A feeling of discomfort may occur when hard or hot-cold foods are consumed.
- Feeling of pressure or pain in the jaw area: Due to the pressure exerted on the jaw bone and surrounding teeth during the emergence of wisdom teeth, a feeling of pressure may occur especially behind and on the sides of the jaw. This pressure may restrict jaw movements in some cases.
- Bad breath and bad taste: During the emergence process of wisdom teeth, bacteria may accumulate in the pocket areas formed in the gums, causing bad breath and bad taste. Inadequate cleaning can increase inflammation and worsen these symptoms.
- Headache and earache: Pressure and tension in the jaw area can spread to the head and ears via nerve pathways. This situation can lead to headaches and earaches, which are especially more pronounced when teeth are clenched or chewed.
Common Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause various problems during their emergence process. The most common problems are as follows:
- Empty Wisdom Teeth
In some cases, wisdom teeth cannot come out completely due to insufficient jaw structure and remain buried in the gum. This may not be noticed without an X-ray, but over time it can cause pain and infection.
- Semi-Empty Wisdom Teeth
When part of the tooth comes out and the other part remains under the gum, this is called a semi-empty wisdom tooth. Such teeth create a suitable environment for food residue and bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to inflammation and gum infections.
- Crooked or Wrongly Erupting Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes wisdom teeth can come out horizontally or obliquely because there is not enough space in the jaw. This can put pressure on the other teeth around them, causing crookedness and pain in the teeth.
- Gum Infections (Pericoronitis)
Especially in partially impacted teeth, the gums around the tooth can become inflamed. This is called pericoronitis. This can cause severe pain in the mouth, swelling, and even difficulty swallowing.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?
Whether wisdom teeth should be extracted or not depends entirely on the way the tooth emerged and the structure of the mouth. If they have grown properly, do not harm the surrounding teeth and are easy to clean, there is usually no need for extraction. However, if they are causing severe pain, are infected, are impacted or come out at an incorrect angle and squeeze other teeth, extraction may be necessary.
In addition, since these teeth are in a hard-to-reach area in the mouth, brushing them becomes difficult and can lead to decay or gum problems over time. In such cases, the best decision will be made by a dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and After
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually a procedure performed with local anesthesia. If the tooth is impacted or presses on the jawbone, a surgical operation may be required. Some points should be taken into consideration after the procedure:
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours.
- Bite the gauze for the period recommended by the doctor to prevent bleeding after the operation.
- You can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Use the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor regularly.
- Brush your teeth gently, paying attention to oral hygiene.
What is Good for Wisdom Tooth Pain?
First of all, applying a cold compress to the painful area can reduce swelling and provide temporary relief. Gargling with warm salt water helps relieve inflammation in the gums and cleans bacteria. In addition, natural solutions such as antiseptic mouthwash or clove oil can also soothe the pain. Painkillers can be a temporary solution for severe pain, but long-term use requires a doctor’s advice. If the pain persists or if signs of infection appear, definitely see a dentist!
