What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars, which are the bigger teeth at the back of our mouths. These teeth grow on both the top and bottom jaw on the left and right. We generally have 4 wisdom teeth in total.
Some people do not have wisdom teeth; this is perfectly normal. The presence or absence of wisdom teeth is largely determined by genetics, so while most people will have them, not everybody does.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth work in the same way as our other 8 molars; molars allow us to chew and grind foods with the assisted pressure from our jaw. Our molars have a bigger surface, making it easier for them to break down foods.
Is it normal for wisdom teeth not to grow in?
Wisdom teeth will begin to grow between the ages of 17-25, although this process can happen later in life too. Whether all the wisdom teeth erupt from the gums will depend on the position they are in beneath the gums and the space within the mouth for them to grow.
Wisdom teeth that do not erupt are typically not a cause for concern; however, if the area becomes sore and swollen, it could indicate the tooth is impacted.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted toothAn unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, so that complete eruption is unlikely. fails to fully erupt into its normal position, often because of crowding, obstruction by other teeth, obstruction by the jawbone, or the direction at which the wisdom tooth is growing.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be quite painful, causing pain, swelling, and, if not properly treated, can lead to an abscess forming. If you’re experiencing discomfort for periods extending over 3 days, contact your dentist.
Will it affect my other teeth if my wisdom teeth are removed?
The wisdom teeth might not grow in or may need to be removed- but this should not impact the function of the rest of your teeth and mouth. Our mouths already have 2 molars on each side at the top and bottom, which can effectively chew and help us talk and swallow.
Wisdom tooth removal is a very common procedure, and most people can recover and adjust very quickly with no long-term effects. In fact, removing potentially impacted or infected wisdom teeth can aid in protecting the overall health of your mouth.
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