[More About Wisdom Teeth] Does everyone grow wisdom teeth? What should you do if you have impacted wisdom teeth? (Part 1)
Many people feel fear and anxiety when they hear about wisdom teeth. They worry about the pain of tooth extraction once they grow in, or they worry that the absence of wisdom teeth might be abnormal. Below, we'll provide more information about wisdom teeth to alleviate your fear.
Do all people have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are four permanent teeth that grow in the last position on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. They typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 30. However, not everyone will grow wisdom teeth, and the number that grows varies from person to person; there is no fixed rule.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
There's a common belief that wisdom teeth must be removed, or that it's better to remove them as early as possible. However, not all cases require wisdom teeth to be removed.
If a patient's wisdom tooth erupts completely without cavities or other dental diseases and the patient maintains good oral hygiene habits, it does not need to be removed. However, if an impacted wisdom tooth is present, the dentist will recommend its removal.
Nowadays, most people have "impacted wisdom teeth" because their oral cavity is not large enough to accommodate a third molar, or the wisdom teeth grow in the wrong position or at the wrong angle. This leads to decay, pus, gum disease and cysts in the wisdom teeth that are growing or have already grown, and can even damage nearby teeth.
Pericoronitis of wisdom teeth:It usually occurs in the wisdom teeth of the lower jaw. Because food debris easily accumulates between the crown of the wisdom tooth and the gum, bacteria easily grow, making the periodontal tissue prone to inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as gum abscess, bad breath, swelling of the jaw lymph nodes, and even difficulty opening the mouth and pain when swallowing.
Tooth decay:Wisdom teeth grow deep in the mouth, and if not cleaned properly, they are prone to plaque buildup, which can lead to decay of the wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth.
Tooth root atrophy:Impacted wisdom teeth or inflammation of the periodontal tissues can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing their roots to recede.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
