Table of contents:
- Why does it hurt when wisdom teeth grow out?
- Do you have to always have your wisdom teeth removed?
- Wisdom tooth surgery side effects
Entering the age of 17-25 years, your wisdom teeth will usually experience growth. Unfortunately, growing wisdom teeth are often accompanied by pain that interferes with daily activities, and eventually they have to be removed. This is why many people find wisdom teeth a scary thing.
Why does it hurt when wisdom teeth grow out?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to grow at the age of 17-25 years. The basic function of wisdom teeth is to chew food until it is soft for easy digestion. In addition, these teeth also function to align the shape of your gums.
Thomas Dodson, DMD, MPH, a professor of oral and jaw surgery from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine explains to Everyday Health that oral anatomy is the biggest root problem of wisdom teeth. Whether the jaw shape is too small or the teeth are too large, this determines the origin of wisdom tooth growth in the future.
Yes, during the years since it was last grown, human gums will undergo a change in shape. If there is not enough room for the tooth to grow out, wisdom teeth can grow sideways to shift other teeth or become trapped between the gum and jawbone, causing pain and swelling.
If left untreated, the teeth that grow sideways can damage the adjacent teeth, damage the jawbone, and also the nerves. Not only that, its location which is difficult to reach makes it easier for food to get trapped and form plaque. As a result, your wisdom teeth are increasingly prone to cavities, gum disease, and other health problems. These complications then exacerbate toothache due to growing wisdom teeth.
Therefore, if your wisdom tooth is already experiencing health complications, it's a good idea to consult a dentist immediately to determine the best treatment that suits your needs.
Do you have to always have your wisdom teeth removed?
Actually this decision is up to the dentist and oral surgeon. If the doctor suspects that your growing wisdom tooth will cause problems in the future, the doctor will recommend tooth extraction surgery.
Even so, the sooner you pull out your wisdom tooth, the better. Tooth extraction performed at a young age is not as complicated as at an old age. The reason is, at this age the roots of the teeth are still fairly soft, so doctors don't need extra energy to remove them and the healing process is also faster. In addition, if you delay getting your teeth out, it can cause bigger problems after surgery, such as heavy bleeding, cracked teeth, and even numbness.
That is why if there are signs of swollen gums, pain, and you feel a lump in the back, it's better to immediately find out the cause to the dentist. Generally the doctor will do an X-ray of the teeth to see if the wisdom tooth is growing well or not.
Wisdom tooth surgery side effects
If after taking a dental X-ray examination the doctor finds a problem, the doctor will recommend that you perform a tooth extraction. This extraction is performed using an opercolectomy procedure, which is a small operation to open the gums with an incision.
Just like the side effects of surgery in general, you may experience gum pain and swelling. Even so, these side effects can be overcome by administering over-the-counter pain relievers at pharmacies or drug stores. Your doctor may also prescribe a higher dose of pain reliever if needed.
