Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars most people get in their late teens or early twenties—usually between ages 17 and 25.
Most adults have four of them (one in each corner of the mouth), but some people have fewer—or none at all. They’re called wisdom teeth because they appear at a more “mature” age. If wisdom teeth are coming in the right way, they will grow straight and have enough space in the mouth. People with well-aligned wisdom teeth may not need any treatment. Regular dental checkups can help keep track of their growth.
Here are some signs of proper growth:
-No pain or swelling in the back of the mouth
-Teeth grow without pushing other teeth
-No difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
-Healthy gums without redness or infection
But Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow, leading to complications. If you notice these symptoms, visiting a dentist for an evaluation is important.
Signs that they may be growing incorrectly include:
-Pain in the back of the mouth or jaw Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
-Headaches or ear pain
-Difficulty chewing or swallowing
-Bad breath caused by trapped food
Some common reasons for removal include:
-Impacted teeth: When wisdom teeth are trapped under the gums or grow at an angle, they can cause pain and infections.
-Crowding: If there is not enough space, wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment.
-Cavities and infections: Wisdom teeth are harder to clean, making them more likely to develop cavities or infections.
-Gum disease: Partially erupted teeth can lead to inflammation and gum disease.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
If wisdom teeth need to be removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will explain the procedure. The process usually involves the following steps: Consultation and X-ray: The dentist examines the teeth and takes an X-ray. Anaesthesia: Local or general anaesthesia is given to numb the area.
Extraction: The dentist removes the teeth, which may involve cutting the gums or breaking the tooth into smaller parts. Stitching and Healing: The gums are stitched, and recovery takes about one to two weeks.
Tips: Rest and avoid strenuous activity, Ice packs for swelling, Soft foods like soup, yogurt, smoothies,Avoid smoking, straws, and hard foods.
Watch for: Excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection (call your dentist/oral surgeon)
Contact South Yarra Family Dental Care Today
- Call us on 03 98671151
- Email us at [email protected]
Pop in and see us at unit 2/ 137 Osborne St , South Yarra, Melbourne.
