Wisdom teeth are the last group of teeth that grow between the ages of 16 to 22. These teeth eruption is usually associated with some difficulties and complications. One of them happens when the tooth can’t find the needed space to erupt, and it is called an impacted wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth can cause complications in the mouth if they grow in a compact space and may require wisdom tooth surgery. Continue reading to find out what these complications are:
Damage to Other Teeth
When wisdom teeth press the tooth next to them, they may damage it or cause infection in that area. Wisdom tooth’s pressure on the surrounding teeth can also lead to misalignment of them. In this case, orthodontic treatment is needed.
Inflation
Wisdom teeth firstly form in a sac inside the jawbone. As the tooth grows, it may become filled with fluid, leading to cysts damaging the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. In some rare cases, a tumor, which is usually noncancerous, develops around the wisdom tooth, in which case the surrounding tissue and bone need to be removed.
Decay
It seems the wisdom teeth are more at risk of decay than other teeth if they don’t have enough space to grow. Wisdom teeth are also more challenging to brush because of their location in the mouth. Besides, food and bacteria can accumulate in the space between the gums and an impacted wisdom tooth, quickly causing tooth decay.
Gum Disease
You can’t properly clean the wisdom teeth that are not fully grown, and this increases the risk of developing an inflammatory and painful condition called pericoronitis.
Why do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
As we mentioned above, wisdom teeth are located at the end of the jaw arch, which means we use them less than other teeth. But why do we have such inefficient teeth in the jaw? Before the man could discover fire and cook his food, these teeth were perfectly suitable for chewing raw meat and human being widely used them. Wisdom teeth begin to grow after puberty because if you lose some of your teeth due to the aging, you still have your wisdom teeth. Having a ready set of teeth in your jaw can be beneficial. Simultaneously, humans gradually began to eat softer foods and learned how to care about oral hygiene and nowadays, we apply our wisdom teeth less for chewing and they look like a trouble for us.
When is The Right Time to Have a Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
When you see your dentist regularly to check your teeth condition, you can prevent dental problems that an impacted tooth will cause. If you treat your impacted wisdom teeth before 25, you will face fewer problems and complications. Postponing an appropriate wisdom tooth treatment to old age can cause significant pain. The roots of your wisdom teeth become thicker by aging, leading to a longer healing process, infection in the gum and jawbone tissue, and even broken jaws in the older adults.