Wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—are a well-known part of many people's dental journeys, often associated with removal and the promise of ice cream and milkshakes. But there’s more to these teeth than most people realise.
What Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth earned their name because they typically emerge around the age of 17-25, which is also considered the “age of wisdom.” Interestingly, not everyone has wisdom teeth—around 35% of people are born without them.
For most of us, wisdom teeth aren’t so simple. About 90% of people will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. An impacted tooth occurs when there’s not enough space for it to fully come through, which can lead to infection, damage to nearby teeth, and difficulties cleaning the area.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need Removal? Many people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point. In fact, 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be extracted. This need is often due to the lack of space in the jaw, which results from modern diets being less demanding on our teeth compared to the tougher diets of early humans. In the past, our teeth wore down naturally, creating more room for wisdom teeth to emerge. However, with softer modern foods, there simply isn’t enough space for these extra molars to fit properly.
At Comfort Dental & Implant Centre, we focus on keeping your wisdom teeth—and your overall dental health—in the best shape possible.
What Can Go Wrong with Wisdom Teeth? Here are some common issues that can arise with wisdom teeth:
- Partial Eruption: If your wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge, gum tissue may grow over them, trapping food and leading to infection.
- Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: Wisdom teeth may come in at an angle, causing them to crowd the other teeth.
- Impaction: If there isn’t enough space, wisdom teeth can become stuck in the jaw and never break through the gums.
- Difficulty Cleaning: Wisdom teeth are far back in your mouth, making it harder to properly clean around them.
- Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs may form around an impacted tooth.
These issues can cause symptoms like:
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw
- Swelling or infection in the gum tissue
- Tooth decay or gum disease due to improper cleaning
While wisdom teeth are subject to the same issues as other teeth, regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene can keep them healthy. For extra protection, dental sealants can also help prevent cavities.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction If your dentist in Buderim recommends wisdom tooth extraction, the procedure usually starts with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. In some cases, a general anaesthetic might be used, particularly if multiple teeth need to be removed at once. Your dentist will likely advise you to avoid eating or drinking after midnight before your surgery.
The extraction involves opening the gum tissue over the tooth and removing any bone that may be covering it. The tooth is then separated from the bone and extracted, sometimes in smaller pieces for easier removal.
Once the tooth is out, stitches may be required. Some of these stitches dissolve on their own, while others need to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will provide specific instructions about aftercare, which typically includes biting down on gauze to control bleeding, applying ice packs for swelling, and sticking to a soft diet for the first few days. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, or vigorous rinsing during recovery.
Your Trusted Buderim Dentist At Comfort Dental & Implant Centre, we are committed to providing the best care for your wisdom teeth and overall dental health. Whether you need a consultation, second opinion, or regular check-up, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Conveniently located on Wises Road, near the Sunshine Motorway, we offer ample parking and are open six days a week. Call our Buderim dentist team today at (07) 5300 2544 or book your appointment online. Don't wait—schedule your visit now!
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