Wisdom Tooth: Everything You Need to Know

mubeendesg
Feb 19
2 min read

Updated: Mar 27

1. What is a Wisdom Tooth?

The wisdom tooth is the third molar. By the age of 12 or 13, a person typically develops 28 permanent teeth. After the age of 18, up to four wisdom teeth may grow—two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw—bringing the total number of teeth to 32.

2. Does Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth?

No, not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some people may have only two or three wisdom teeth instead of four, while others may not develop them at all. Not having wisdom teeth is not a disadvantage.

3. At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Grow?

Wisdom teeth can appear at any time after the age of 18. In some cases, they may remain inside the bone without erupting. If these teeth become impacted (stuck in the bone), they may need to be removed to prevent complications.

4. Why Do Wisdom Teeth Struggle to Grow?

As human evolution has led to smaller jaws, there is often not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow properly. Additionally, obstructions in their eruption path can cause the teeth to remain impacted.

5. What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

(i) When partially erupted, food may get trapped, leading to decay.(ii) The gum covering the tooth may become swollen or infected (Pericoronitis).(iii) Pain in the jaw, ears, or head due to referred pain.(iv) Severe infections can lead to facial cellulitis.(v) Difficulty opening the mouth due to infection-related muscle spasms (Trismus).(vi) The gum around the wisdom tooth may get bitten, causing pain.(vii) The adjacent second molar may be affected due to trapped food particles.

6. Is the Wisdom Tooth Important?

Wisdom teeth are not essential for chewing or oral function. The first and second molars are sufficient for proper chewing. Removing wisdom teeth does not affect speech, facial structure, or health. In many countries, wisdom teeth are extracted as a preventive measure before they cause problems.

7. Why Is It Called a Wisdom Tooth?

The term "wisdom tooth" has no relation to intelligence. These teeth usually appear around the age of 18, which is traditionally considered the age of maturity, hence the name.

8. Is an X-ray Necessary Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Yes, an X-ray is required to assess the root structure, the number and length of roots, and their position within the bone before extraction.

9. How Is a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

The procedure involves:

Removing the gum covering the tooth.
Extracting some of the surrounding bone if necessary.
Removing the tooth using specialized instruments.
Suturing the gum to close the surgical site.

10. Is Hospital Admission Required for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

No, wisdom tooth removal is typically an outpatient procedure. Patients usually need two days of rest after extraction. A follow-up visit to the dentist is recommended five days after the procedure.