A wisdom tooth is often called a third molar. It is one of the four molars found at the back corners of an adult human mouth. These teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they usually emerge later in life, between the ages of 17 and 25, when a person is assumed to have gained some wisdom. As human diets have changed and the jaws have become smaller over time, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly. It can lead to various dental issues, including impacted wisdom teeth (when they don’t fully emerge) or misalignment of nearby teeth, which needs wisdom tooth extraction singapore.
Due to these potential complications, wisdom teeth are often removed through a surgical procedure if they are causing pain, overcrowding, infection, or other dental problems.
When to perform wisdom tooth extraction?
The timing for wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on individual circumstances. Dentists and oral surgeons evaluate several factors to determine when it’s appropriate to perform wisdom tooth extraction. Here are some general guidelines:
- Age. Wisdom teeth typically start erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Younger individuals often have an easier recovery after surgery, as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed and the bone is less dense.
- Position and development. X-rays and dental exams are used to assess the position and development of wisdom teeth. If they are impacted, growing at an angle, or causing crowding and misalignment of other teeth, extraction may be recommended.
- Pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, extraction may be necessary to alleviate the issues.
- Infection and gum problems. If there’s evidence of infection, inflammation, or gum problems around the how long should you wait to exercise after tooth extraction, extraction may be considered to prevent further complications.
- Cysts or tumors. If cysts or tumors are forming around impacted wisdom teeth, extraction is usually recommended to prevent damage to surrounding structures.
- Risk of future problems. Even if wisdom teeth are not currently causing issues, dentists might recommend extraction if there’s a high likelihood of problems developing in the future.
- Orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth can sometimes interfere with orthodontic treatment. If you’re undergoing orthodontic work to straighten your teeth, your orthodontist might recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent shifting and crowding after braces are removed.
It is important to have regular dental check-ups and X-rays to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth.
Is wisdom tooth painful?
Wisdom teeth can be painful for some people. Here are some scenarios where wisdom teeth can cause pain:
- Impaction
- Infection
- Pressure on Adjacent Teeth
- Gum Irritation
- Cyst Formation
- Pericoronitis
Not everyone experiences pain from their wisdom teeth. Some people have enough space in their mouths for the wisdom teeth to come in properly without causing discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help monitor the development of wisdom teeth and identify any potential issues before they become painful.
