Wisdom teeth

Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are remnants of our ancestors (great apes), who used them to chew hard, uncooked foods. These teeth are located at the very back of the mouth—specifically behind the second molars—and are the last teeth to develop, usually between the ages of 16 and 25.

Due to a lack of space, wisdom teeth may sometimes remain trapped in the jawbone; these are known as impacted wisdom teeth. If they have partially erupted through the gum, they are referred to as partially impacted wisdom teeth.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be extracted, including:

• Pain
• Orthodontic treatment
• Tooth decay (especially in partially impacted wisdom teeth)
• Gum and bone pathology (e.g., benign tumors, cysts)
• Irritation of the surrounding tissues (e.g., pericoronitis, cellulitis, etc.)
• Damage to the adjacent tooth
• Root resorption, among others

Before extraction, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to be taken 24 to 48 hours before surgery, typically for a duration of 7 to 10 days. This helps minimize pain and prevent infection. In most cases, patients can return to work the following day.

What If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Not Causing Any Problems?

Even if your wisdom teeth are not currently causing discomfort, it is still recommended to have them removed to prevent long-term dental issues, such as:

• Cyst formation
• Root resorption of the neighboring molar
• Infection
• Loosening of the second-to-last tooth
• Tooth decay, among others

Additionally, it is important to note that the risk of complications and long-term effects increases with age. So don’t wait—take action early!