WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth, the third row of molars located at the back of the mouth, are the last adult teeth to surface in the mouth. With their name originating from the age in which the teeth typically emerge, wisdom teeth were once necessary to our ancestors for the purpose of chewing raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meat, but modern food and utensils has eliminated our need for them. Commonly, wisdom teeth come in as sets of four, two on the top and two on the bottom. Although sometimes wisdom teeth can grow in without causing any problems, wisdom teeth are prone to getting stuck beneath the gums or within the jawbone and can cause serious issues if left untreated. In some rare cases, patients may never develop wisdom teeth at all.
WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS CAN WISDOM TEETH CAUSE?
It’s important to understand that even if wisdom teeth haven’t erupted yet, or broken through the surface of the gums, they can cause significant damage to the mouth. Patients who choose not to have their wisdom teeth removed preventively often report extreme pain and swelling that occurs when the teeth struggle to break through the gums or don’t grow out completely. Tooth decay is also a common occurrence for patients who have wisdom teeth that grow in. Because of their location in the mouth, wisdom teeth are difficult to reach, let alone clean properly. Wisdom teeth can also damage other teeth by pushing them out of the way, which can lead to tooth misalignment caused by overcrowding. Cysts within the jawbone, TMJ, sinus issues, difficulty chewing, as well as bad breath can all be caused by wisdom teeth when they begin to emerge.