Does your wisdom tooth trouble you? Unfortunately, these teeth won’t bring you wisdom. Instead, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to tooth decay, teeth crowding, and infections. Whether you are ignoring them or they are coming through, this guide will help you get insights on wisdom teeth causes, symptoms, and removal.
What are wisdom teeth?
From baby to adolescence, our teeth erupt in several stages. First, the canines, premolars and molars, and finally comes the wisdom teeth. So what are wisdom teeth? Dentists call them as the third molars, and they appear at the back of your mouth. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but the Australian Dental Association reports that about 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom teeth.
Why do people have wisdom teeth?
Our ancestors had larger, stronger jaws, and the third molars helped with chewing hard foods like raw meat and plants. Over time, they tend to lose teeth, so a wisdom tooth had enough space to develop. Today, modern jaw size and better dental health make it less likely for a wisdom tooth to develop into a functional position. This is why they become problematic, and often dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal Melbourne.
When wisdom teeth come in?
People usually have four wisdom teeth, each emerging behind the molars on both sides of upper and lower jaw. As they are the last set of teeth to appear, they develop between the ages of 17 and 21. For some, a wisdom tooth does not create any problem while for others it causes pain, infection and other instances of discomfort.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
As they are the last sets of teeth to develop, they do not have enough space on the jawbone. When they don’t have space to develop completely, they get trapped under the gums and causes pain and other dental issues. If an impacted wisdom tooth is not pulled out, they may cause severe pain, gum disease, and tooth decay. The wisdom teeth removal cost in Melbourne is affordable, and it is advisable to extract them as early as possible.
In order to avoid these complications in the future, your dentist will monitor the growth of a wisdom tooth and suggest extraction if it not developed completely.
What are the symptoms of having wisdom teeth?
- Mild to severe pain
- Red or swollen gums
- Swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth
Can I have my wisdom teeth?
Yes, you can if your tooth is disease-free and has room to develop without causing any damages to your adjacent teeth.
If you decide to remove your wisdom teeth in Melbourne, you should know what you can expect during the procedure. So, speak with your dentist or oral surgeon to make sure you understand the whole process and the post-operative care recommendations for after the surgery.
