wisdom teeth

Wisdom Tooth

Dr Ahmed Javed Butt 

A wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, is a tooth that typically grows in at the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. Many people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, but it is also possible to have fewer or more. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they do not have enough room to come in properly, which can lead to pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. If a wisdom tooth is causing problems, it may need to be removed through a surgical procedure called an extraction.

Wisdom tooth euraption

Wisdom tooth eruption refers to the process of a wisdom tooth breaking through the gum and entering the mouth. This typically occurs during the late teenage years or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean because they are so far back in the mouth, and this can make them more prone to decay and gum disease. If a wisdom tooth is causing problems or is unlikely to come in properly, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend having it removed through a surgical procedure called an extraction.

Wisdom tooth types

There are four types of wisdom teeth, which are classified based on their position in the mouth and the way that they grow in:

1. Mesial impaction: This type of wisdom tooth grows in at an angle towards the front of the mouth.

2. Distal impaction: This type of wisdom tooth grows in at an angle towards the back of the mouth.

3. Vertical impaction: This type of wisdom tooth grows in straight up and down.

4. Horizontal impaction: This type of wisdom tooth grows in horizontally.

The type of impaction that a wisdom tooth has can affect whether or not it will cause problems as it comes in. For example, a mesial impaction is more likely to cause problems because it is growing towards the front of the mouth, where there is less space.

Why wisdom tooth extracted

Wisdom teeth are often removed if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. Some common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction include:

1. Pain: Wisdom teeth can cause pain if they do not have enough room to come in properly.

2. Infection: Wisdom teeth that are impacted (stuck in the gum) or partially erupted (partially visible in the mouth) are more prone to infection.

3. Damage to other teeth: If a wisdom tooth comes in at an angle, it can push on the other teeth and cause them to become misaligned.

4. Crowding: If there is not enough room in the mouth for a wisdom tooth to come in, it can cause the other teeth to become crowded.

5. Cysts: Wisdom teeth that are impacted can sometimes form cysts (fluid-filled sacs) around them, which can cause damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

6. Gum disease: Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean can increase the risk of gum disease.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to advise you on whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary in your specific case