What Are Wisdom Teeth? Why Are Some Impacted?

In ancient times, people consumed more fibrous and rough food. Wisdom teeth aided in masticatory functions. Accordingly, this helped in chewing unrefined vegetarian and roughly cooked meat. However, gradually, the diet has become more refined and even less coarse. This change in food habits has limited the need for wisdom teeth. To put it in simple words, this has in turn led to a turndown in the eruption of the third molar teeth. Because of the lesser demand for wisdom teeth in the oral cavity, many of the wisdom teeth stay impacted to blow up in the dental arch. Not to ignore impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may also turn out to be a source of contamination to the nearby structures or adjacent teeth.

Let’s first discuss what are wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth: Dentist Burbank

Wisdom teeth also popular as third molar teeth are located at the back of the upper and lower jaws and are the last teeth to come out in the oral cavity. Wisdom teeth generally blow up between ages 17 and 25; though, in some individuals, wisdom teeth erupt even in the 40s or 50s. This is the reason why these teeth are called wisdom teeth. They come into sight during the phase of life referred to as the “age of wisdom.”

Potential Adverse Effects of Wisdom Teeth: What is it?

At times, the wisdom tooth may fail to blow up in the oral cavity principally due to a lack of space. There are a variety of reasons for the non-eruption of wisdom teeth besides lack of gap. These could be thick bones overlying the wisdom tooth. Most of the time, the impacted wisdom teeth do not cause any problems. Nevertheless, some individuals may experience problems such as gum swelling, an increased threat of tooth decay, and the spread of contamination to other teeth.

How Problematic Wisdom Teeth Treated?

The major treatment approach for impacted wisdom teeth is taking away the tooth. An X-ray of the jaw and teeth is done by the dentist to spot an impacted wisdom tooth.
All you need to do is to consult a dentist if there is a severe toothache, a puffed-up face, fever, and difficulty in swallowing, chewing, or opening the mouth fully. At the outset, the dentist may prescribe a chlorhexidine mouthwash, a soft-bristled toothbrush along with a course of antibiotics. As the local inflammation subsides the wisdom tooth is generally extracted.

What Problems Can Arise Due to Impacted Third Molar Teeth?

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of oral health problems. It is essential to seek out dental treatment if the impacted third molar teeth cause problems.
Inappropriately positioned wisdom teeth can be the reason for the setting-up of food particles, causing bacterial growth which may lead to caries. Incompletely erupted wisdom teeth may let bacteria pass through the gums and increase the chances for pain, contamination, and swelling in the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth get hold of space in the dental arch which may cause crowding of other teeth. Tooth crowding may have an effect on the overall aesthetics and results in a twisted look of the teeth. Most importantly, impacted wisdom teeth add to the chances of cyst formation. This can spoil the roots of the neighboring teeth and bone supporting the teeth.