So, you finally get your teeth all straightened out, which you most likely cared for your entire childhood and adult life.
Then your wisdom teeth start erupting one by one and crowd your mouth, ruining your perfect smile. This is a common problem that many young adults face.
If not treated properly, you don’t only have to deal with a crooked smile but you can also get cavities and decay. Healthy wisdom teeth will help you chew better and also give you a more visually appealing smile.
To avoid complications, make sure you educate yourself about the proper way to take care of wisdom teeth.
Here are some important things to know:
When do wisdom teeth start erupting?
The wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow in and they usually start appearing in your early twenties. While most people will get all four wisdom teeth, some have fewer and others don’t get them at all because of certain issues like genetic differences.
Crowding and impacted wisdom teeth
The annoying thing about wisdom teeth is that you don’t really need them. During the time that they erupt or sprout, your mouth has already grown the incisors and molars that it needs. If there isn’t enough space in your mouth for the budding wisdom tooth, crowding will happen.
Crowding can cause problems like:
- Food getting stuck in between your teeth.
- Bacteria build up, which can lead to infection and gum disease if not treated.
- Cavities and dental carries in molars and incisors.
Impacted wisdom teeth are ones that do not erupt and stay stuck in an awkward position inside your jaw. If this condition worsens, cysts can form along the gumline and damage nearby teeth and cause infection.
Why your wisdom teeth may need to be removed
Aside from the fact that wisdom teeth don’t really have any practical use in your daily lives, they tend to cause more damage than help. When they start to affect your chewing and teeth alignment, you need to schedule an extraction immediately.
Typically, your dentist will take an x-ray of your teeth to evaluate the status of your bone, teeth and supporting tissues around your mouth. If your physician deems that your wisdom teeth can be potentially damaging, they will recommend an extraction or oral surgery. Of course, the doctors will first have to monitor your teeth and give you the option to decide whether or not you want to keep your wisdom teeth.
How to deal with wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is a major dental procedure that requires a lot of preparation and post-op rest. Additionally, this can be really expensive so be prepared to shell out some money. Since wisdom tooth extraction is considered to be a form of operation or surgery, you will also need a few days of rest afterwards. You might also experience some minor pain and swelling after the anesthesia wears off. But with proper medication and rest, things will quickly improve and go back to normal again.
