From our elementary to high school days, we were taught that teeth experience two stages of growth which we describe as types of teeth. They include milky teeth (temporary teeth) and permanent teeth. We were told that the milk teeth consist of 20 teeth, while the permanent teeth consist of 32 teeth. The permanent tooth starts to develop from early adolescence, starting with the growth of the incisors and ending with the growth of the wisdom teeth.

The wisdom teeth are the largest that form in the set of 32 teeth, and it springs up in our adult years. However, this particular kind of tooth tends to be discomforting when it appears, prompting many to opt for its removal. The removal of wisdom teeth has been in practice for a while, and this article will serve as a guide providing everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal.

What are Wisdom Teeth and Its Function?

Wisdom molar teeth are a form of molar teeth; the largest molar in the set of 32 teeth is found at the back of the mouth and is used for grinding food, similar to the functions of other molars in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are often said to develop when a person gets wiser (reaches adulthood) between the ages of 17-21.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

It is normal to want to know why many choose to remove their wisdom teeth. The primary reason many opt for the removal of their wisdom teeth is because of discomfort. Only a few people have the opportunity to boast of properly placed and grown wisdom teeth. The others experience irregularities in the growth of wisdom teeth; thus, if permitted will affect their dentition and constantly cause discomfort.

Indications that Wisdom Teeth Need Removal

As mentioned earlier, specific signs like discomfort prompt people to have their wisdom teeth removed. There are other signs, and they include:

  1. Swollen or aching jaw
  2. Reddish or swollen gums
  3. Bad breath or presence of unpleasant taste in the mouth
  4. Trouble chewing or swallowing
  5. Persistent pain, fever, and infection
  6. Formation of cysts or cavities
  7. Bleeding gum
  8. Throbbing at the back of the mouth.

How is the Removal Process for Wisdom Teeth?

A dentist handles the process of removing wisdom teeth. The dentist needs to inject the area of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are with local anesthesia or specific sedatives. This is meant to prevent the patient from feeling pain during the procedure. Some dentists remove the wisdom teeth by creating incisions and carving out the teeth bit by bit.

Another procedure involves the dentist pulling out large chunks of the teeth from the mouth. The target of every dentist during tooth removal is to remove the wisdom teeth from the root up. The process can last 45-60 minutes, depending on when the anesthesia or sedative kicks in.

Conclusion

Individuals should consider wisdom teeth removal if they notice any of the symptoms above. However, there are cases where these symptoms appear but do not concern the wisdom teeth; the dentist will be a better judge in those cases. If you are also wondering if you need to eat specific foods after teeth removal, the dentist will guide you on what to do after the procedure.

 

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