Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

These are the third molar teeth which erupt the last. There are four wisdom teeth, two on both sides of the jaws. Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 14-25.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt More Difficultly?

These may erupt harder or remain impacted in cases where there is not enough space in the jawbone or where teeth development cannot progress along with jaw development.

Why Do the Wisdom Teeth in the Lower Jaw Erupt Harder?

Developing bud part of the wisdom tooth is observed in the posterior part of the 2nd molar and in an oblique state. There is an increase in size in the jawbone following growth and development. The posterior part of the jaw develops at the same rate. The wisdom tooth here stays in horizontal position and cannot erupt.

Age 18 is the eruption age of wisdom tooth. The growth of the lower jaw is completed at the age of 18. The tooth cannot erupt because it cannot pierce the hard and dense bone tissue.

If there is not enough space between the horizontal part and the vertical part of the lower jaw and behind the second molar, this can be listed among the reasons of challenging eruption.

Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Extracted?

If the wisdom teeth of the individual erupt correctly without damaging the surrounding tissues, wisdom teeth do not need to be extracted. After the X-ray evaluation of your physician, inflamed teeth bound to the jawbone and teeth that cause distress with orthodontic disorders should be evaluated in the best way, and the extraction procedure should be decided considering all kinds of disorders.

It is necessary to constantly check impacted wisdom teeth. The type and method of treatment vary from patient to patient. The physician will plan the best treatment method for the patient.

Under Which Conditions a Wisdom Tooth is Dangerous?

Caries: Due to the location of the wisdom tooth, various caries can be seen in that tooth or in the adjacent tooth.

Gingival Infection: In cases where the wisdom tooth is not fully erupted, food residues and bacteria settle around the gum around the wisdom tooth and cause various infections. Afterwards, it is possible to observe conditions such as bad breath, pain, swelling on the face, decrease in mouth opening. The infection can spread to the cheek and neck area through the lymph. As a result, dangerous situations may also occur.

Pressure Pain: There may be pain in the teeth of individuals due to the pressure of the wisdom tooth on the adjacent teeth. Some patients may have tooth abrasions.

Orthodontics: Today, young patients need orthodontic treatment to correct the crooked tooth structures. Wisdom teeth cause an increase in tooth crowding in the anterior part due to space stenosis.

Prosthesis: In patients using total prosthesis, impacted wisdom teeth cause maladaptation, denture and inability to use prostheses.

Cyst formation: Cysts may occur on the soft tissue around the impacted or semi-impacted wisdom tooth. Removal of the cysts and tooth is extremely important in terms of preventing future bone and adjacent teeth damage. In some cases, the tumor may develop in the cyst or fractures occur in the jaw due to excessive growth of the cyst.

Why Should a Mispositioned Wisdom Tooth be Extracted Even if there Are No Visual Problems?

Disposition alone is a sufficient cause for infection even if there is no deformity in terms of the appearance of the tooth.

Wisdom teeth are located in sites which are hard to reach by brush or floss. Bacteria, acids and food residues that cause caries accumulate in this area, making the individual extremely uncomfortable. If the tooth is decayed and not restored by filling, it becomes inflamed in a short time. Since it is difficult to keep these teeth clean, accumulated bacteria and food residues cause bad breath.

The impacted tooth, which stands horizontally under the gum, creates pressure that will result in the movement, tightening and distortion of other teeth. Bacteria accumulated under the gum covering the impacted tooth also cause infection in the gums.

What is the Best Time to Extract Wisdom Teeth?

The impacted tooth should be extracted between the ages of 16 and 22, whether it causes a complaint or not. Procedures performed during youth are technically easier. Recovery is faster. Since flexibility decreases at an advanced age, the extraction becomes more difficult and the recovery process is prolonged.

Can Teeth be Extracted in Cases of Acute-Active Infection?

If intervened in an infected condition, the infection spreads to the surrounding, and wound recovery is delayed and becomes harder. The infection can be taken under control with local oral hygiene, antibiotics and sometimes with the extraction of the wisdom tooth on the opposite jaw.

How Does Post-Extraction Recovery Progress?

It is normal to develop swelling, pain, bleeding and bruising after the extraction. Difficulties in opening the mouth may occur during the recovery period. Complaints usually heal within 1 week. You can apply cold compresses to the operation area to alleviate distress.

Rules to be Followed After the Operation

• After the operation, you should bite the tampon placed in the operation area for 30 minutes.
• Do not eat or drink for at least 2 hours after the operation.
• You should not spit and use mouthwash for 24 hours after removing the tampon. Spitting stimulates bleeding by creating a vacuum effect and delays wound healing.
• Do not smoke for 24 hours after tooth extraction. Smoking rapidly increases the risk of infection by delaying wound healing.
• Do not drink alcohol or acidic beverages. (Before and after the operation)
• Do not clean the treatment area with a brush on the day of the operation and the next day.
• You can switch to normal cleaning after 2 days. You should pay attention to the hygiene of the operation area.
• Do not take a warm shower and do not consume hot food and beverages for 24 hours after the surgical procedure.
• If you experience pain following the operation, use painkillers other than aspirin, etc. (Aspirin may increase bleeding due to its blood thinning effect.)
• If your physician approves, apply cold compresses in accordance with the area.
• Lie down with your head elevated.
• Come to have your stitches removed 1 week after the operation. Your stitches may be dislocated. In case of bleeding, consult our clinic immediately.
• You should not neglect your medicines prescribed by your doctor.
• If you encounter an unexpected situation (pain and bleeding for a long time), consult our clinic.