Wisdom teeth are the third molars, located in the back corners of each side of the mouth and are usually the last teeth to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they come in late and the jaw is often too small to accommodate them, they can be problematic, leading to a host of potential difficulties.
Wisdom teeth may cause crowding, as they are larger than the other teeth and may cause them to overlap and overlap each other. They also may emerge in an incorrect, sideways position, in which case they may place pressure on adjacent teeth, causing future misalignment.
In addition, complications can arise when the teeth grow in partially, leaving part of the surface exposed and allowing the area to be vulnerable to infection. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may become impacted, meaning that it cannot erupt and causes pain, swelling, and risk of infection.
As a result, many dentists prefer to extract wisdom teeth as a preventative measure before any of these problems occur.
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Why do wisdom teeth grow incorrectly?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in the late teenage years or early twenties. These teeth sometimes grow incorrectly, either horizontally in the jaw, partially through the gum, or only partially emerge from the gum.
This is known as impaction. There are several reasons why wisdom teeth can grow incorrectly.
One possible cause of incorrect wisdom tooth growth is a lack of room in the jaw. Generally, the jaw is too small to accommodate the addition of wisdom teeth, resulting in them pushing against the surrounding teeth.
This can lead to complications such as teeth crowding, cysts, and abnormal tissue growth.
In addition, older people encumbered by various health ailments may have difficulty adequately attending to their teeth and gums, such as developing an infection or periodontal disease. This can also lead to misaligned wisdom teeth.
Genetics can also be a contributing factor, as some individuals may be predisposed at birth to grow wisdom teeth that get impacted. In this case, a person might have a family history of incorrect wisdom teeth growth.
Finally, environmental factors can play a role in improper wisdom teeth growth. Poor dental or dietary habits, or lack of regular dental checkups, can have an impact on the health of a person’s teeth and gums and make it more likely that a wisdom tooth will not grow properly.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why wisdom teeth might grow incorrectly, including lack of room in the jaw, health ailments, genetics, and environmental factors.
How does wisdom teeth removal impact the brain?
The impact of wisdom teeth removal on the brain is largely anecdotal. Wisdom teeth removal can be a stressful experience, especially if it is done at an older age, because of the potential to cause pain, soreness, and risks of infection.
In some cases, people who have gone through the procedure report feeling emotionally drained afterwards, because of the disruption to their normal lifestyle. Some people also report feeling an increase in mental fog or difficulty concentrating after wisdom teeth removal.
While there is no concrete evidence to support any widespread effects on the brain or mental wellbeing, it is important to note that wisdom teeth removal can impact the overall health of the individual.
The procedure is invasive and may leave susceptible people more likely to infections. Many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal for those who are experiencing misalignment, overcrowding, infections, or damage to the teeth because of improper oral habits.
While these conditions may not cause significant harm, they can lead to the mouth being in a less-than-optimal state.
In the end, the main impact of wisdom teeth removal on the brain can be linked to emotional stress or distress associated with the procedure. It is important to talk to a medical professional or dental specialist if you are experiencing any emotional or mental health related issues after wisdom teeth removal.
Generally, the procedure is effective, and the risks associated with it are much lower than for other more invasive dental treatments. Therefore, most people do not experience any major effect on the brain as a result of having their wisdom teeth removed.
Does removing wisdom teeth create space?
Yes, removing wisdom teeth does create space in the mouth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to come in, often in the late teen years or early adulthood. For some people, there may not be enough space in the mouth, or the wisdom teeth may only partially erupt or come in sideways.
In these cases, they may need to be removed in order to create space and reduce overcrowding of the teeth. Removing wisdom teeth can also help reduce the risk of infection, if they are trapped or only partially emerge, as they can be difficult to clean and care for properly.
Additionally, if wisdom teeth erupt normally, they can cause no problems — however, if there is not enough room in the mouth for them, they can push other teeth out of line, leading to other oral health issues.
For these reasons, it is often recommended to remove the wisdom teeth in order to create more space and ensure good oral hygiene.
Why is my face lopsided after wisdom teeth removal?
It is not uncommon to have some facial asymmetry after wisdom teeth removal. This is because the jawbone and surrounding muscles may become weak or unevenly strained after the extraction. Other causes of lopsidedness could include inflammation, swelling, or shifting of the teeth due to the trauma of the extraction.
Additionally, tension in the muscles can cause misalignments in the jaw and face, leading to a lopsided appearance.
If you feel you have noticeable asymmetry after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They can detect any causes of anatomical misalignment or identify any other possible sources of the problem so it can be corrected.
In some cases, facial exercises or massage can help to realign the muscles and reduce asymmetry. Your dentist can also assess the need for any restorative treatments such as braces or dental implants to help balance the shape of your face.
Does jaw bone regrow after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, the jaw bone does regenerate and heal itself after wisdom teeth removal. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, the healing process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During the healing process, the empty space left behind in your jaw bone will be filled in with new bone tissue, also known as osseous healing.
This process can be encouraged with the use of medication, physiotherapy, massage, and other treatments. Healing times can vary greatly between individuals, so it’s important to keep in touch with your oral surgeon to ensure that your jaw has healed properly.
It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene and follow your surgeon’s recommendations for eating soft foods, avoiding brushing near the extraction site, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
How many roots does a wisdom tooth have?
Wisdom teeth typically have anywhere from one to three roots, but it is not uncommon for a wisdom tooth to have four roots. Each wisdom tooth is unique, and the anatomy of the tooth, as well as the size and shape of its roots, depend on the individual’s chemistry and the position of the tooth.
It is generally accepted that the lower wisdom teeth (third molars) tend to have the most roots, and can sometimes have up to four. The upper wisdom teeth usually have up to three roots and are often smaller than their lower counterparts.
Ultimately, the number and shape of the roots of wisdom teeth vary greatly between individuals, so it is impossible to determine how many roots an individual’s wisdom tooth will have without an X-ray taken by a dental professional.
Can you keep your wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt?
It is possible to keep your wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt, but it is not always recommended. Wisdom teeth are the last of your permanent teeth to come in, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood.
They generally come in between the ages of 17 and 24, and for many people, the impact can be significant. While some individuals have enough room in the mouth for their wisdom teeth to erupt without difficulty, most do not.
If a person’s wisdom teeth are impacted and pushing against the existing molars, this could potentially cause significant damage to the existing teeth, jawbone, and other important structures. Additionally, it can also cause pain and other symptoms, such as jaw stiffness, headaches, and general discomfort.
In these cases, an oral surgeon or dentist may recommend removal to prevent potential oral health issues.
In cases where a person’s wisdom teeth do not cause any painful symptoms, it is still important to have them examined regularly. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to assess their positioning, angle of eruption, and any potential affects they may have on your oral health.
As long as there is no risk of damage to existing teeth and jaw structures, it may be possible to keep your wisdom teeth if they aren’t painful. However, it is important to recognize any potential problems and discuss them with your dentist or oral surgeon before making a decision.
Why don’t they let you keep your wisdom teeth?
The decision to extract or not to extract wisdom teeth typically depends on the individual’s specific circumstances. Generally, wisdom teeth are removed if they are at risk of causing problems, including infection, overcrowding, or any other form of dental damage.
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they are unable to fully erupt through the gums, or they may be angled in the wrong direction. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause crowding of the teeth or damage to adjacent teeth, as well as infection of the gums and jawbone.
If a wisdom tooth becomes decayed, the infection can spread to other teeth. Removing wisdom teeth can also help to correct an overcrowding of the teeth and to prevent any related health problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be kept if they are in a favorable position and are healthy.
However, if there are risks of problems with the wisdom teeth, it is recommended to have them removed.
Can a person keep their wisdom teeth?
Yes, it is possible for a person to keep their wisdom teeth. It is however important to monitor the health of your teeth and gums around the area of your wisdom teeth to ensure they do not cause any dental damage or infection.
Wisdom teeth typically erupt in the late teenage years or early adulthood, and because of this can cause crowding of surrounding teeth or even cysts or tumors inside the jaw. An assessment of your current oral health and a discussion with your dentist can help clarify if keeping your wisdom teeth is right for you.
Additionally, due to their location in the back of the jaw, wisdom teeth can be difficult to thoroughly clean, so it is important to pay extra attention when brushing and flossing. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to discuss potential risk factors and potential benefits of removing or keeping your wisdom teeth.
Why do dentists not want to remove wisdom teeth?
Dentists typically do not want to remove wisdom teeth because of the risk of potential complications. Having wisdom teeth removed is a very serious surgery and can involve significant pain, swelling, and infection.
In some cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed before and after surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Extracting wisdom teeth can also damage the surrounding teeth and gum tissue, leading to nerve damage, bone loss, and jaw deformities.
Furthermore, part of the tooth may be hidden under the gums, making it more difficult for the dentist to remove the entire tooth. To avoid potential complications, many dentists recommend leaving the wisdom teeth intact if damage is not already being caused to the other teeth or the mouth tissue.
How long can you live with wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages 17-25. Generally, they won’t significantly impact your lifespan, though it will depend on any problems they might cause. If the wisdom teeth come in properly and are properly aligned, they may not even need to be removed.
However, if they come in misaligned, impacted, or cause crowding, it may be recommended to have them removed to avoid long-term issues. If wisdom teeth are impacted, for instance, in a way that makes them difficult to clean, this can increase the risk of infection and gum disease, which may significantly impact overall dental health.
Additionally, leaving wisdom teeth can also cause crowding, which can lead to crooked or overlapping teeth. It is important to have regular visits with a dentist to monitor the health and position of the wisdom teeth and to have them removed if necessary.
How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to heal?
It typically takes anywhere from 7-10 days for the extraction sites of wisdom teeth to heal. After the initial healing period, the tissue inside the extraction site may need several weeks to heal completely and build up collagen.
During the healing process, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene and keep the mouth area clean. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Additionally, applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the early days after the extraction. In some cases, the extraction site may require additional healing time or healing may be slower if an infection occurred or a sinus cavity was opened.
In these cases, it is best to consult with your dentist for additional care and advice.
Can I take my wisdom teeth out myself?
No, absolutely not! Undergoing a wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure, and it should only be performed by a licensed, experienced dentist or oral surgeon. There is a risk of serious complications if the procedure is not performed correctly, which is why it should not be attempted at home.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area, make an incision, remove the tooth or teeth, and then suture the area closed if necessary. Taking a tooth out without proper training and equipment can lead to infection, nerve damage and other serious medical issues, so it is advised to always seek professional care.
