Have you ever wondered where the term “wisdom tooth” comes from? The phrase refers to the time in your life when these teeth appear in the mouth. Between the ages of 17 and 25, these so-called “teeth of wisdom” push through the gums at the back of the mouth. That stage of life brings changes not only to your mouth but also to your brain. During early adulthood, the brain undergoes significant development. The development of the prefrontal cortex makes you wiser than you were as a child. While this developmental stage gives wisdom teeth their name, these teeth often bring more problems than wisdom.
What Is a Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth, also called “third molars,” grow later in life than your other adult teeth. Evolutionarily, they were essential for chewing tougher foods like meat and nuts, which required more molars for more efficient chewing. Over time, our diet changed, and this need lessened, causing human jaws to become smaller. However, these teeth still emerge, sometimes wreaking havoc.
Unfortunately, our smaller mouths have created the complications we see today. For many people, the wisdom teeth cannot emerge properly.
While some wisdom teeth break through the gums as intended, others become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can develop in uncomfortable ways, disrupting the other teeth in your mouth and causing oral health issues.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian can evaluate how your wisdom teeth are developing and determine the best course of action if problems are likely to occur.
Common Problems That Wisdom Teeth Cause
If you come to us before your wisdom teeth erupt through the gums, Dr. Zirakian can take X-rays to determine if we need to remove them. Some people may already be experiencing pain or discomfort, often for the following reasons:
Cleaning Problems: Because these teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, they can be hard to reach. Brushing them can feel awkward, and flossing is even more challenging. When these teeth aren’t cleaned properly, they are just as prone to infection and decay as your other teeth. If the condition worsens, they may require extra care, such as periodontal treatment for gum disease.
Overcrowding: Humans have 32 adult teeth, including wisdom teeth, but the jaw often doesn’t have enough space for these late-blooming teeth to grow properly. Without enough room, wisdom teeth can become misaligned and grow sideways, causing pressure in the jaw and potentially damaging surrounding teeth. Overcrowded teeth can lead to significant discomfort and pain. That’s why we recommend scheduling a visit with us before issues arise.
Impaction: If there’s not enough room for them to grow properly, wisdom teeth can become “impacted.” This means they are unable to emerge normally. In some cases, the teeth may even grow horizontally or become completely trapped beneath the gums. Impaction can lead to serious issues like intense pain, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth. They can also damage the surrounding teeth.
How Can I Address My Wisdom Tooth Problems?
Depending on your wisdom tooth needs, we may recommend a tooth extraction. The type of extraction you’ll need will depend on the condition of the tooth:
Simple Extraction
Dr. Zirakian will use this extraction method only if the tooth is easily accessible. We will ensure you don’t feel any pain during your procedure by administering a local anesthetic. Then, Dr. Zirakain will loosen the tooth and gently pull it from its socket, removing the entire tooth down to the root.
Surgical Extraction
A more complex surgical extraction may be required if a tooth is hard to reach, such as an impacted wisdom tooth. Typically, we’ll refer you to an oral surgeon for these procedures, as they specialize in safely removing impacted teeth and managing more complicated extractions.
For these procedures, the oral surgeon will make an incision into the gums to access the tooth. Sometimes, a portion of the bone may need to be removed to fully expose the impacted tooth. If the tooth is difficult to extract in one piece, the surgeon may carefully divide it into smaller sections for easier removal. Once the oral surgeon extracts the tooth, they will clean the area and close the incision with stitches to promote healing.
Call Us Today to Book a Free Consultation!
Evaluating wisdom teeth early is the best way to prevent the many issues they can cause. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from a wisdom tooth, or if you’re concerned about how yours are coming in, contact us at East Longmeadow Family Center. We offer free consultations, including a complimentary exam, to address all your dental needs!
