Wisdom tooth guide page: what you should know
On our wisdom tooth guide page you can read general information about the third molar tooth. You can learn more about wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery in our other articles on this topic.
Wisdom tooth: Which one is it, and how many can we have?
What is a wisdom tooth?
The wisdom tooth is the last tooth in the jaw. Long after the permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth, sometime between the ages of 17 and 21, the wisdom teeth (third molars, tooth 8) begin to grow in the back, behind the second molars.
How many wisdom teeth do we have?
We have two wisdom teeth on both dental arches. Accordingly, four of our thirty-two teeth belong to this group, and twenty-eight belong to the other tooth types.
Wisdom tooth growth, the evolution of tooth number 8
How does it feel when the wisdom teeth grow?
The wisdom tooth is the last permanent tooth to erupt in the human mouth. Sometimes it happens that it remains dormant and does not emerge at all during our lifetime. Wisdom teeth usually grow in stages, i.e. a more active phase is followed by resting phases.
During the gradual growth, the root of the wisdom tooth is gradually formed. There is frequently a sensation of tightness and tension during the tooth's growth, along with varying degrees of mouth closure.
There are very few people in whom all 8 teeth grow out without problems and unnoticed. It is also very rare that there is enough space for the teeth to grown through.
The development of the wisdom teeth
In the course of evolutionary development - due to changes in nutrition - the size of our jawbone decreases, so that the third molar tooth is missing in more and more people. In many cases, evolutionary development is noticeable in the size and shape of the tooth. There is a tendency to often have a vestigial wisdom tooth or a normally shaped tooth, but a smaller tooth may also be present. These anomalies should not be alarming as they are natural.
Reason(s) for having a wisdom tooth problem: lack of space, unfavorable location, and orientation
A third molar that erupts healthy and in the right position usually does not cause any problems. Unfortunately, however, in most cases this is not the case, and a problem may arise that justifies the removal of the wisdom tooth.
Lack of space: the size of the jaw is not large enough
Often the human jaw is not large enough to accommodate all 16 teeth per jawbone.
Due to limited space, the third molars may remain behind, i.e. they do not erupt completely under the surface of the gum, or the wisdom tooth does not grow in the right place. They may grow sideways, partially protrude from the gums, or remain completely hidden. Most often, they cause painful symptoms because inflammation of the wisdom teeth develops around them due to their partial eruption.
Unfavourable rear location
In addition to insufficient space, the rear position (distal) of the teeth makes it difficult or impossible to clean them properly. And surfaces that are difficult to clean can easily lead to bacterial growth, which in turn can trigger adverse processes.
...let's now take a look at what consequences this can have.
Wisdom tooth pain and other symptoms and changes
Our patients often come to us with the following acute problems:
- inflammation around the wisdom tooth (inflamed wisdom tooth);
- wisdom tooth gingivitis (gum inflammation), develops next to teeth that have partially erupted or are growing under the gums;
- wisdom tooth pain;
- lockjaw; jaw joint (temporomandibular) pain occurs;
- crowded teeth, tension in the jawbone due to the pressure from the third molar;
- the tooth decays (wisdom tooth with a cavity).
Wisdom tooth inflammation
The most common problem is the development of an inflamed wisdom tooth (pericoronitis). In most cases, it is not the tooth itself that becomes inflamed, but the surrounding tissues, because next to the tooth that has not erupted properly, there is an area under the gums that cannot be cleaned, which is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Wisdom tooth, inflamed gum (gingivitis)
In view of the above, the accumulated bacteria lead to the development of gingivitis around the wisdom tooth. This is very common around the partially erupted tooth 8, since in this case a certain part of the tooth is still covered by the gum, creating an area that cannot be cleaned. Gum inflamation (gingivitis) around wisdom tooth developed in this way can cause severe pain.
Wisdom tooth pain
Pain in the wisdom tooth usually occurs as a result of inflammation. The intensity of the pain may vary, but is usually related to the degree of inflammation.
Treatment of an inflamed wisdom tooth at home, pain relief at home
If your wisdom tooth hurts, you may be advised to take painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to tide you over until you visit the dentist.
Wisdom tooth pain can be relieved by thoroughly cleaning the area and using a mouth rinse, as this will help control inflammation and reduce wisdom tooth pain.
Inflamed wisdom teeth can also be treated with antibiotics (a course of antibiotics), but this is always a symptomatic treatment used as a preoperative measure. Antibiotics should only be taken on prescription!
We recommend that you contact our colleagues as soon as possible, as symptoms can easily worsen without appropriate therapy.
Lockjaw, jaw joint (temporomandibular) pain
An inflamed wisdom tooth can be a complication of a lockjaw. In this case, inflammation of the chewing muscles (masseter muscles) can lead to minor or major obstruction of the mouth and restricted mouth opening.
Crowded teeth, tension
Due to the lack of space, the teeth 8 often exert pressure on the teeth in front of them, which can lead to decay, crowding, and irregular positioning of the lower and upper incisors. The nerve running in the lower jaw is often located near the roots of the third molar, which can be the cause of numbness in the wisdom tooth.
Decayed wisdom tooth
Dental treatment of a wisdom tooth with a cavity is also difficult. In many cases we do not have proper access to it because it is our posterior tooth, so in many cases treatment is impossible. If we can reach the area and there is enough space for the tooth, a composite filling can be placed in the tooth.
Treatment of wisdom tooth inflammation and other lesions
The above-mentioned problems can usually be solved in a soothing way by removing the third major molar tooth. At Helvetic clinics, wisdom tooth removals are performed by trained oral surgeons or periodontists using the gentlest techniques available today. This is necessary because this type of intervention often involves complex oral surgery.
In any case, only after a clinical and radiographic examination can it be determined whether removal of the wisdom teeth is necessary.
We have two options:
- taking control over complication in a preventive way,
- or after the symptoms appear, the wisdom tooth can be removed therapeutically.
Arguments for the removal of wisdom teeth
The removal of a tooth is usually justified in the following cases:
- When the tooth is only partially erupted.
- If the tooth continues to grow even though there is not enough space, it can also cause tension in the area of the adjacent teeth.
- To achieve successful orthodontic treatment.
- When an abscess or chronic inflammation occurs on the tooth and its surroundings.
- In case of a cyst on a wisdom tooth (inflammated wisdom tooth).
When should you consult a professional?
- In case of radiating pain, swelling, bad breath.
- If there is inflammation or pus drainage from the wisdom tooth.
- Restriction of mouth opening, lockjaw occurs.
- When there is a feeling of tightness or numbness.
Wisdom tooth consultation
After your appointment, during the consultation, the oral surgeon will examine your mouth during the clinical examination and, in most cases, takes an X-ray (panoramic X-ray, CT scan) with imaging equipment.
The data will be used to decide whether a simple tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery to remove the lower or upper wisdom tooth is necessary. In both cases, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia.
Dental tourism Hungary: wisdom tooth removal in Budapest
If you have symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem and would like to find a gentle solution, sign up for an oral surgery consultation with us. Wisdom tooth removal is available at our office in Hungary, downtown Budapest by appointment at 053 930 1323 or by e-mail. We are waiting for your call!
FAQ - Frequently asked wisdom teeth related questions
What should I do about wisdom tooth pain?
We recommend a consultation with an oral surgeon. Until this appointment, it is advisable to brush your teeth very thoroughly and take pain-relieving medication if necessary.
Is radiating wisdom tooth pain common?
Yes, it is common, especially in the lower teeth.
How does it feel when wisdom teeth are growing?
The sensation of tooth growth is different for each individual. Growth usually occurs in stages, i.e. a more active phase is followed by a resting phase. Usually, there are feelings of pressure and tension in the affected area. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) is also common near the tooth.
How many wisdom teeth do we have?
We have a total of four third molars if there if there is no tooth germ deficiency. Evolutionary development is making the latter more prevalent.
What should I do if I have a cavity in my wisdom tooth?
In the case of a cavity, we should always consider the long-term prognosis of the tooth. When choosing the right treatment, we should weigh what we gain and what we lose by keeping the tooth. Filling the tooth could be appropriate if it has adequate room, can be cleaned easily, and facilitates chewing. Otherwise, it is recommended to remove the tooth.
What does an impacted wisdom tooth mean?
This is the term for a tooth that does not erupt. In other words, a tooth that has some obstruction preventing it from growing.
How long does it take for a wisdom tooth to grow?
The third molar develops and grows slowly over years, but it is common for it not to erupt or to erupt only partially after development.
What can be done when the wisdom teeth is close to the nerve?
In the lower dental arch, the roots of the last molar tooth may be close to the nerve canal. In such cases, a thorough CT scan (CBCT) diagnosis and a well-considered decision on treatment are required.
Wisdom tooth related reviews
Petra
Yee M. T. (EN)
Wisdom tooth related reviews