Wisdom Tooth

Hi Readers,

Today, I shall talk Wisdom, Wisdom Tooth!!!!!

These are the rearmost teeth in your jaw, two on each side and an adult will usually have four of them, though the number may be less from one individual to another. The eruption of these teeth is usually associated with coming of age; hence they get the name “Wisdom Teeth”.

These teeth enabled early humans to eat rough and hard food easily, however with evolution, and the diet getting softer, the jaw bone size reduced. This left very less space for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and hence these days we find that in most cases, the wisdom teeth either partially erupt or do not erupt at all. For most adults, wisdom teeth eruption is un-eventful, however for some; it is a time of terrible pain.

Why it Pains?

• If the wisdom tooth is misaligned or erupts in the wrong direction, it will push adjacent teeth to create space for itself. This pushing results in pain.
• The wisdom tooth might press upon the dental nerves and cause pain and swelling.

If the wisdom tooth partially erupts or stays below the gums, we call it an impacted tooth. An impacted tooth may lead to the following problems:-

• It may be difficult to brush the wisdom tooth properly due to its location. This may eventually lead to tooth decay and gum infection.
• The tooth adjacent to the wisdom tooth may also decay because of food lodgment in between the two teeth.
• May lead to teeth crowding and that in turn will require braces to straighten the teeth.
• Gum tissue surrounding the impacted teeth may become swollen and inflamed causing discomfort and pain.
• Cyst may form in the surrounding tissues around the impacted tooth. The cyst can grow and cause damage to the jaw, the surrounding bone and tissues. Such a situation can lead to serious complications and may need surgical intervention.

When to see a Dentist:- Impacted wisdom tooth does not always cause problems. However, please visit us if you experience the following signs:-

• Pain around the jaw and the ear coupled with a headache
• Swollen gums
• Swelling on the face or around the jaw
• Bad Breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Difficulty in mouth opening
• Mild to High Fever with the above symptoms

Based on the diagnosis, we may either prescribe medication or suggest extraction if we find the tooth to keep on causing problems for you in the future.

Post Extraction Instructions:-

• Do not spit, rinse for a period of 24 hours.
• Avoid smoking and drinking as it delays healing.
• Do not touch the treated area with tongue or finger.
• Avoid hot meals for 24 hours, enjoy ice creams and other cold or room temperature soft meals.
• Start warm salt water rinses after 24 hours post extraction.
• Take medication as prescribed.
• In case of any visible external swelling, place an ice pack over the affected area.

Following the above instructions will enable quick healing. For any concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime.