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Wisdom teeth are the rear molars that erupt last, sometime around the late teens or early 20s. There are normally two wisdom teeth in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, but some people have fewer than four, or even none at all. Wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems, including overcrowding of the existing teeth and impaction – the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle and butts into the next-door molar (hard impaction) or the gum (soft impaction). A wisdom tooth that grows on an angle can’t contribute to chewing, which makes it useless as well as painful. It is recommended that problematic wisdom teeth be removed. X-rays taken while the teeth are still emerging can indicate whether or not they will cause difficulties. Common problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth include gum infections and tooth decay.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an infection caused by a wisdom tooth include:
- Reddened, inflamed gum alongside the wisdom tooth, swelling, pain
- Pus oozing from the gum line
- The lymph glands under the jaw become sore
- Eventually, it may become difficult to open the mouth and to swallow
- Fever.
Common complications
In some cases, there may not be enough room in the jaw for the emerging wisdom teeth. This can stall their exit at the halfway point (soft impaction), and make brushing and flossing these teeth very difficult. Food and bacteria will build up between the wisdom tooth and its neighbouring molar, so decay and gum infections are more likely. Crowded wisdom teeth in the upper jaw have a tendency to lean sideways and grate against the cheek, causing ulcers on the cheek and chewing problems. The pressure from wisdom teeth may also force the other teeth closer together and interfere with the bite. Gum disease and cysts are other complications of impacted wisdom teeth. Very rarely, a tumour may develop at the site.
Antibiotics are a short term solution
Mouth infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated with antibiotics, but the infection will keep coming back unless the teeth are removed. People with pre-existing health problems and compromised immunity can suffer serious complications from these infections.
Extraction is best done early
Toothache prompts a person to visit their dentist. However, wisdom teeth don’t usually cause any pain until the damage has already been done. Extraction is best performed sooner rather than later. The roots of wisdom teeth in a teenager are still forming, which makes extraction easier. The operation may be more complicated if a person waits until later in life, when the roots of these molars are completely formed and embedded firmly in the jaw. X-rays taken while the teeth are still emerging can indicate whether or not they will cause problems.
Dental procedures
Using x-rays, your dentist can determine which wisdom teeth will be functional and which ones need to be removed. Sometimes, a person may need all of the wisdom teeth extracted. The operation can be performed using local or general anaesthetic, depending on the complexity of the problem. If a wisdom tooth is potentially functional but has impacted into the gum, your dentist may only need to snip away the soft tissue. If the whole tooth needs to be removed, it may be necessary to cut into nearby bone. Since a wisdom tooth is comparatively large, the socket will need to be stitched to aid healing. Your jaw and gum are likely to be sore, swollen and prone to bleeding for a few days after the operation. One of the possible post-surgery complications is a dry socket (alveolar osteitis), where the site doesn’t heal as well as it should. This can be successfully treated by your dentist.
Self-care suggestions
Your dentist will offer instructions on caring for your mouth after surgery, but general suggestions for self-care after a dental extraction include:
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Take painkillers
- Regularly hold a mouthful of warm salty water(after meals only), but don’t swish
- Don’t brush over the area for a day or two
- Eat soft, easy to chew foods for the next few days.
Where to get help
- Your dentist
- Australian Dental Association, Victorian Branch Tel. (03) 9826 8318
Things to remember
- Wisdom teeth are the rear molars that erupt sometime around the late teens or early 20s.
- Wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems, including overcrowding of the existing teeth and impaction, either into neighbouring teeth or into the gum.
- Problematic wisdom teeth should be removed.
You might also be interested in:
Dental fillings.
Teeth care.
Want to know more?
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