Wisdom tooth: when does it grow, what symptoms does it have, and whether it needs to be removed

What is worth knowing about wisdom teeth?

Third molars close the row on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. Today, “eights” are often considered rudiments. Many are interested in the question: how many wisdom teeth should a person have normally? Four units are genetically laid, but modern dentistry is increasingly recording cases when only two or three “eights” are laid, and sometimes they are absent altogether. It is important to understand that third molars are full-fledged chewing units, but due to their distal (far) location, they often do not have enough space for proper eruption, which creates the prerequisites for a visit to the surgeon.

It is the lack of space that often leads to retention - a condition when the tooth remains completely or partially hidden under the gums. This causes inflammation, damage to neighboring “sevens”, and changes in the bite due to pressure on the entire row. In addition to anatomical difficulties, third molars are more difficult to clean, which increases the risk of caries.

When wisdom teeth grow: age, stages and duration of the process

Unlike permanent dental units, which appear in childhood, third molars make themselves felt much later. At what age do wisdom teeth grow? The period falls on the age of 17 to 25 years, although this range can expand to 30 years and more. The growth process often occurs in leaps: the active phase of eruption is replaced by a period of rest, which can last for months. The duration depends on the anatomical features of the jaw and the angle of inclination of the bud itself. In some patients, it appears quickly and without problems, while in others the process of «pecking« through the gum stretches for years. If you notice that a wisdom tooth is growing, it is worth taking a panoramic photo (OPTG) in advance to see its position and prevent the curvature of the entire dentition in time.

Interestingly, the formation of the rudiments begins as early as 7-10 years, but their path to the surface is activated only after the completion of the formation of the jaw apparatus. If by the age of 25 the third molars have not appeared, they can remain in a hidden state for life, but such a retained state requires regular monitoring, since internal growth can put pressure on the roots of neighboring sevenths, causing their gradual destruction.

Wisdom tooth: symptoms of eruption and the limit of the norm

When wisdom teeth begin their movement through soft tissues, it rarely goes unnoticed. The main symptoms of eruption:

• Aching pain in the area behind the last molar, which can radiate to the ear or temple.
• Swelling and redness of the gums (pericoronitis).
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth due to the accumulation of plaque under the "hood" of the gums.
• An increase in the submandibular lymph nodes and a slight increase in temperature.

What to do when a wisdom tooth grows? It is extremely important not to use hot compresses, as they increase inflammation. If there is pain, you can limit yourself to antiseptic baths, but if severe swelling appears that prevents you from opening your mouth, a doctor's help becomes critical.

Sometimes patients confuse the norm with pathology, but remember: sharp throbbing pain and the inability to swallow are not just teething, but a sign of a serious infectious process.

Impacted wisdom tooth: why does it hurt and what is the hidden threat

The biggest problems are caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, which is completely or partially left in the bone or gum and could not erupt in the correct position. The reason is the horizontal location of the bud, when it rests against the root of the neighboring "seven". In this case, the patient feels constant pressure, and the "eight" gradually destroys the neighboring healthy "seven». Retained units can cause jaw cysts and chronic facial pain of unknown origin. Even if the “eight” does not bother you every day, it is a “time bomb” that can provoke inflammation at the most inopportune moment, for example, during vacation or pregnancy.

In addition to physical pressure, a follicular cyst often forms around the hidden crown, which can grow imperceptibly, thinning the jaw bone. Another danger is crowding of the anterior row. Trying to erupt, the “eight” pushes the entire row, distorting even a perfectly even smile.

Retained objects require careful diagnosis using CT, since a simple visual inspection does not give a complete picture of the condition of the hidden root and its proximity to the mandibular nerve.

How to remove a wisdom tooth: is it worth it?

The main fear of patients is the question: does it hurt to pull out a wisdom tooth? Thanks to modern anesthesia, the manipulation itself is completely painless. How a wisdom tooth is removed depends on the complexity of the case: with a simple removal, the doctor uses only forceps and elevators, and with a complex one, microsurgical separation into parts is performed for atraumatic removal. The process includes the following stages:

• Deep local anesthesia or sedation (drug sleep).
• Providing access (gum incision if necessary).
• Gentle removal of the "eight» from the socket.
• Cleaning the wound and applying self-absorbable sutures.

After the operation, the doctor provides recommendations for care to minimize postoperative swelling. It is the surgeon's individual approach that determines how quickly you will return to your usual rhythm of life.

At Ali's Premium Dental Care (Doc Ali Dental) we specialize in safe and atraumatic removal of any complexity. The head doctor Al-Budnain Ali Mushtaq uses piezosurgery techniques (ultrasonic removal), which allows us to preserve bone tissue and significantly accelerate the rehabilitation process. Our priority is patient comfort, so we offer treatment in a dream and full support after the operation. When you contact us in Ivano-Frankivsk, you receive expert assistance from a member of the International Club of Implantologists (ITI).