Cheers
May 17, 2024
Minutes To Read: 7

12 Myths and Truths about Wisdom Tooth

Who has never heard of the wisdom tooth? It is also called the third molar and is popularly known as the judgment tooth. coincidentally, most often born in adolescence.

Alessandro Silva, Master and Specialist in Buccomaxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology at UNICAMP, PhD in BMF Surgery and Traumatology at USP, and Director of Interclin, explains that the wisdom tooth, also technically called the third molar, is the last tooth to erupt (or appear) in the mouth.

Usually these teeth erupt around 17 to 25 years of age. They usually appear at an age that has been called the "Age of Judgment." That is why they are popularly known as 'teeth of judgment', he comments.

The professional points out that, with some exceptions, most people have 4 third molars (or wisdom teeth): two upper, one right and one left, and two lower, also right and left. "In the case of exceptions, some patients may have missing one, two or even all third molars," says Silva.

The buccomaxillofacial surgeon also explains that these teeth have enormous variability in their morphology and positioning, which requires different access and surgical techniques to address them.

Myths and Truths about Wisdom Tooth

It is true that wisdom teeth are often regarded as a cause of concern among some people. Most of them relate the removal of the third molar as extremely painful and complicated.

There are even many myths around the subject. Few people know, for example, that not all people are born with this tooth and that in some cases even those who have it will not need to extract it.

Thinking about it, below you give the main information about wisdom teeth:

1. Everyone has wisdom teeth

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that this is a myth, as some people can be born without the wisdom tooth. "And in other cases the tooth may be there, but that doesn't mean it will be born and it will erupt," he adds.

2. Everyone who has wisdom teeth needs to take it off

Myth. The buccomaxillofacial surgeon Alessandro Silva explains that the vast majority of patients do not have enough space for an adequate eruption of these teeth. When these elements can erupt, they are usually out of position or partially erupted. This situation invariably leads to dental caries, periodontal disease and infection ?, he says.

Still according to the professional, this causes quite severe pain, requiring professional care to remove these pains. "Therefore, in the case of teeth included or semi-included, they must be removed," explains Alessandro Silva.

Wisdom teeth that do not have support in the teeth of the opposite arch may extrude (grow) and distalize (move away from neighboring teeth), which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal problems by facilitating food retention. These teeth should also be removed to avoid a bigger problem ?, adds the expert.

However, if there is room for the wisdom tooth to be born without impairing the alignment of the other teeth, there is no need for it to be extracted.

3. It is possible to know even before the wisdom tooth is born if the person will have it

Truth. Alessandro Silva points out that it is possible to know even before the wisdom teeth hatch (born) whether or not the person will have them, how many will be, if they will cause a problem or if they can remain. "For this, the patient should seek the dentist, where he will be referred to perform radiological examinations in order to diagnose their presence and their conditions," he says.

Also according to the expert, it is important that the diagnosis is early and the study of removal is done as soon as possible (the younger the patient). "The ideal age to evaluate these teeth is from 16 or 17 years, because the natural increase in bone hardness that occurs with age and anatomical characteristics of the proper formation of the tooth may make it difficult to remove it," he says.

4. Wisdom tooth misaligns other teeth

Truth. Alessandro Silva explains that this is because, if there is not enough space in the mouth, the wisdom will push the other teeth, damaging the bite and even the aesthetics. "But if there is room for him to be born without impairing the alignment of the other teeth, there is no need for him to be extracted," he says.

5. Wisdom tooth needs to be removed in adolescence

Myth. The age will depend on the shape and position of the teeth.? It is more frequent the removal of wisdom teeth around 17 years, when they are usually more aligned for this removal, but really, each case is a case ?, highlights Alessandro Silva.

But the expert points out that it is not a wise decision to wait until the wisdom tooth begins to bother. In general, earlier removal results in a less complicated healing process. Researchers in this area have found that older patients are more prone to diseases of their teeth, including periodontitis (gum disease). Can periodontal infections affect the general health, causing fever, dehydration, prostration and general malaise ?, explains Silva.

6. Wisdom extraction is easier in young patients

Truth. Alessandro Silva explains that wisdom is easier to remove when the patient is younger,? Since its roots are not fully formed, the tissue around the tooth is softer and less likely to cause damage to the nerves present. in the area?.

"The removal of wisdom at an older age becomes more complex, mainly because the roots have grown larger and often involve the large jaw nerve, and the surrounding bone is very compact and more calcified," adds the expert. However, it is noteworthy, this does not mean that extraction cannot be done.

7. Even before birth, the wisdom tooth is subject to tooth decay.

Truth. Even if the wisdom has not been born, emphasizes the expert Silva, the caries can destroy the tooth, because there may be inflammation of the gum with bacteria that will penetrate. "In these cases, the wisdom tooth can be extracted or antibiotic treatment can be done," he says.

8. Anyone who extracts one wisdom tooth will need to extract the others.

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that this is a myth. The only restriction is for extraction of the lower right tooth before extraction of the upper right. But as for the opposite side, no problem ?, he says.

In some cases, the dentist may find it best to do both sides removal at once. But this will only happen after a subject matter expert judges the case and assesses the degree of difficulty of this removal ?, adds the buccomaxillofacial surgeon.

9. The wisdom tooth is always bigger than the other teeth in the bottom.

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that there is no standard for the wisdom tooth. "The characteristics vary from person to person and the tooth can have many roots, shapes and be large or small," he says.

10. Swollen face after wisdom extraction

Truth. Alessandro Silva points out that swelling is inevitable. "It will only depend on how the position of the tooth was during the surgery, but it is inevitable in any case because it is a delicate procedure," he says.

"In situations of bone removal (osteotomy), the chance of traumatizing the soft tissue is greater and, in this case, the postoperative may be even more uncomfortable," adds the expert.

11. After removing the wisdom tooth you need to rest

Truth. The removal of wisdom is nothing more than a surgical procedure and, therefore, it is necessary for the patient to rest for at least three days, highlights Alessandro Silva. "After this period, it is advisable to consult the specialist to find out if you can go back to the routine," he says.

12. The person should not brush the toothbrush in the operated area immediately after surgery.

Truth. The buccomaxillofacial surgeon Silva explains that the person should brush their teeth normally, except for the region where the surgery was performed. "As a delicate procedure was done, there should be caution when passing the brush through this region," he says.

Care needed before and after wisdom tooth removal

Below, the buccomaxillofacial surgeon Alessandro Silva gives general guidance on the extraction of wisdom tooth (s) and mentions precautions that should be taken before and after surgery:

It is very important to tell the provider if you have any illness whatsoever and to advise if you are taking any kind of medication. Hiding important information at this time can be very costly.
It is important to know that the relative ease with which a wisdom tooth is removed will depend on several conditions, including the position of the tooth and the size of its roots. A partially or fully impacted wisdom will require a more delicate and precise surgical procedure.
Most wisdom extractions are performed in the office with local anesthesia and oral sedation, but if you prefer, you have hospitals prepared for this surgery to be performed under intravenous sedation or even under general anesthesia. You will be able to discuss with the professional the anesthetic options that best suit you.
Soon after surgery, you may have some swelling of the face on the operated side and a discomfort? that are part of the normal healing process. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and other medications may be prescribed by the professional.
You will also be instructed to change your diet the days after surgery.
Mouth surgery, such as removal of teeth (wisdom teeth), placement of titanium dental implants, biopsies and other similar procedures, imposes an increase in dietary nutrients. Generally, after teeth removal, a lighter diet and suspension of physical activity (exercise) are recommended for a period of one week.
After removal of the wisdom tooth (s), carbonated soft drinks are also suspended, drinking anything through plastic straws (straws), vigorous mouthwash with mouthwash, as these may disturb the surgical wound.

Now that you have answered your wisdom tooth questions, do you know that he is no? Seven-headed bug? and that in some cases it doesn't even need to be extracted. But if removal is necessary, just look for a good professional to do this service. It is also important to follow all the guidelines given by him so that the surgery offers good results!