When wisdom teeth

When can wisdom teeth cause us problems?

Wisdom Teeth – What is Their Function?

Chewing is one of the most important functions of the human body, as it allows us to acquire the essential nutrients required for growth and energy needed for daily life. Nature has equipped the human body with teeth that perform specific functions. The front teeth cut food, while the canines tear it. At the back of the jaw, premolars and molars have larger chewing surfaces and are used to grind food during chewing.

The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth in the jaw and are the largest. Humans have four wisdom teeth in total, two in each jaw. However, these teeth often cause problems, either due to pain during their eruption or complications when they do not emerge properly.
Characteristics of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt at the age of 17-18, when the individual is considered mature and has "gained wisdom." Although these teeth are useful for chewing when they fully erupt and align correctly with the corresponding teeth in the opposite jaw, in most cases, the jaws do not have enough space for their complete and proper eruption.
Reasons for Incomplete Eruption of Wisdom Teeth

The incomplete eruption of wisdom teeth can be due to genetic factors, such as inheriting a smaller jaw but having larger teeth. However, the main reason is related to human evolutionary history. Modern diets, which consist of processed and soft foods, have reduced the need for strong chewing, making wisdom teeth unnecessary and causing them not to have enough room to emerge properly.
Symptoms of Incomplete Eruption of Wisdom Teeth

Often, wisdom teeth partially erupt, meaning part of the tooth appears while the rest remains hidden within the jawbone. This can cause pain and difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth. In this case, infections such as pericoronitis can occur, and the pressure exerted by the wisdom tooth trying to emerge can damage the enamel or roots of the adjacent tooth.

Additionally, redness and swelling of the mucosa may be observed in the area of eruption, as well as indentations from the teeth in opposition, which can lead to ulcers.
More Severe Symptoms if the Wisdom Tooth is Not Extracted

If the situation is not addressed, additional symptoms may occur, such as:

• Grinding

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Fever and chills

• Regional swelling of the glands (lymphadenopathy)

• Sensitivity in the facial area corresponding to the tooth

• Pharyngitis and loss of appetite

• Abscess or fluid discharge when pressure is applied to the mucosa

• Jaw pain and tooth decay of the semi-erupted tooth

In such cases, periodontitis can develop in the area of wisdom tooth eruption, and in some cases, sinusitis can occur in upper jaw wisdom teeth with an abscess.
Why Wisdom Tooth Extraction is Necessary

Due to the severe symptoms and complications that can arise from incomplete eruption of wisdom teeth, extraction is often necessary. An extraction performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon ensures the required space for the smooth development of other teeth and helps prevent the above-mentioned problems.