What causes wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually appear at the back of the mouth in our late teens or early twenties.
These teeth often cause issues such as overcrowding in the mouth and jaw pain and can lead to wisdom tooth impaction.
Generally, wisdom teeth erupt due to a lack of space in your jaw or when the adult teeth do not grow properly.
Some people may experience wisdom teeth growing properly and not requiring extraction but may need their wisdom teeth removed due to complications they may cause.
How fast do wisdom teeth grow?
Wisdom teeth are an intriguing part of our anatomy as they are the last teeth to appear in our mouths and usually do so between the ages of 17 and 21.
While wisdom teeth can emerge slowly or quickly, on average, wisdom teeth grow between a quarter to a half millimetre per day.
Depending on the individual, wisdom tooth growth can occur over several months or even years. It is essential to monitor wisdom tooth growth to avoid any potential issues regarding crowding or alignment in the mouth.
Consulting your dentist is vital for evaluating wisdom tooth development and taking preventive measures before serious problems occur.
Is it painful to get your wisdom teeth out?
Removing your wisdom teeth can be a daunting experience for many people, but it doesn’t have to be extremely painful.
While there may be some slight discomfort during the procedure due to the pressure and vibration of the tools used for extraction, most patients report that the pain is manageable and easily controlled with medication like local anaesthetic and even ibuprofen in some cases.
Most wisdom teeth removals also involve sedation to minimize anxiety and maximize comfort.
After the surgery, it’s normal to feel some pain or soreness around the area where your wisdom teeth were removed, but it should go away within a few days with proper aftercare.
At what age do wisdom teeth get removed?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in our mouths.
They often come in between the ages of 15-25. The wisdom teeth removal procedure is usually recommended for wisdom teeth that are causing issues such as pain, infection, or crowding.
Generally, if wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing issues, they do not need to be removed.
If wisdom teeth removal is necessary, your dentist will likely recommend extraction before age 25 as wisdom teeth can be harder to remove later in life due to surrounding bone and other tissue growing more deeply around them.
Discuss wisdom tooth removal further with your dentist if you are looking into getting yours taken out!
How long do wisdom teeth hurt?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but some wisdom teeth may start to appear much earlier or later.
While wisdom teeth may cause no discomfort, in many cases, they can come in askew or be too large for the jaw, which can cause pain and other problems.
This discomfort can last from a few days to more persistent and longer-term pain.
In cases where wisdom tooth pain persists, an oral healthcare professional generally recommends having the wisdom tooth removed to prevent further issues.
Can you talk after wisdom teeth removal?
After the wisdom teeth removal, many patients can still talk and make sounds right away, although it may be difficult to pronounce words and form coherent sentences until the mouth has had time to recover and heal.
Pain medications and topical anaesthetics also affect some people’s speaking ability, eventually resolving after their effect has worn off.
Of course, this varies from person to person, but typically it is not a long-term problem.
Most patients recover quickly and can use their regular voice soon after wisdom teeth extraction without any lasting impairments or issues.
What are the signs of wisdom teeth coming in?
Wisdom teeth are commonly referred to as third molars and typically begin to emerge anywhere between the ages of 17 and 25.
Often wisdom teeth can cause pain or discomfort when they start coming in, which is usually the first sign that wisdom teeth are growing.
Other indicators can include redness or swelling of the gums around impacted wisdom teeth, tenderness in the jaw area, and sometimes even headaches may occur.
Since wisdom teeth can make their presence known in various ways, it’s essential to speak with your dentist if you notice any signs that wisdom teeth may be emerging so they can monitor the growth and decide on the best course of action for you.
Does removing wisdom teeth change face shape?
Removing wisdom teeth can change face shape, depending on the individual’s anatomy.
Wisdom teeth are often wise to be extracted due to their placement in the mouth, proclivity for infection, and ability to cause neighbouring teeth to shift out of alignment.
In some cases, when wisdom teeth become impacted or cannot grow into the correct position, removal can create more room in the lower jaw and alter one’s facial structure.
Of course, extraction alone is not enough to permanently alter facial shape; it still requires proper healing – with swelling and inflammation resolution – before any difference may be noticeable.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual whether they want to risk facial changes associated with wisdom tooth removal or not.