If you ask anyone who has experienced the pain and discomfort of wisdom teeth, they will tell you that it is an experience they would like to forget. The thought of getting your wisdom teeth extracted can be scary, but it is a common procedure. In this article, we will explore what wisdom teeth are, why they cause pain, and how wisdom teeth removal is done.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some people may have more, less, or none at all.
According to Dr. Aaron Shad, a dentist at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, “Wisdom teeth were once necessary because our ancestors had larger jaws and needed the extra teeth to chew tough, raw foods. However, as we evolved, our jaws became smaller, and we no longer need these teeth for survival.”
Why do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and other dental problems when there is not enough space in the mouth for them to emerge properly. When this happens, wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they are unable to emerge from the gums because they are blocked by other teeth or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation, infection, gum disease, cysts, and in rare cases, tumors.
Dr. Shad explains that “Wisdom teeth can also cause pain and discomfort when they only partially emerge from the gums, leaving a flap of gum tissue that can trap food and bacteria. This can lead to infection and pain.”
How is Wisdom Teeth Removal Done?
Wisdom teeth removal, also known as tooth extraction, is a common procedure. It is usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. In some cases, dentist or oral surgeon may use sedation to help patients relax during the procedure.
Dr. Daniel M. Laskin, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, explains that “During the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the surgeon will remove any bone blocking access to the tooth. Then, using forceps, the surgeon will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens from the jawbone and can be removed. In some cases, the surgeon may need to make the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it.”
After the tooth is removed, the surgeon will place gauze over the socket to stop the bleeding and promote blood clotting. Patients will be given instructions on how to care for their mouth after the procedure, such as limiting activities for a few days, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and rinsing their mouth with salt water.
It is important to note that wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure and does carry risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these risks are rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified dentist or oral surgeon and following post-operative instructions carefully.
Conclusion
While wisdom teeth were once necessary for our ancestors, they are now often a source of discomfort and dental problems. Wisdom teeth can cause pain and inflammation when they are impacted and do not emerge properly from the gums. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. While it does carry risks, these are rare, and the procedure can help prevent future dental problems.
References
- Shad, A. (2019). Wisdom Teeth: Why Do We Have Them, Anyway? Retrieved from www.dentalhealthtx.org/news-and-publications/news/wisdom-teeth-why-do-we-have-them-anyway/
- Laskin, D. M. (2007). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.