Wisdom Teeth Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, which are the last to grow molars. Usually, these new teeth grow at the age of 17-21 years. Wisdom teeth are normally four in number and there are two each on each side of the jaw.
Symptoms
Some of the signs that often appear due to impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Inflammation/inflammation, namely swelling around the jaw and redness of the gums around the impacted tooth.
- The erosion of the neighboring teeth due to the location of the impacted wisdom teeth is close together.
- Cyst on impacted wisdom teeth.
- Pain or burning around the gums or jaw and persistent headaches.
Reason
Because it is the last to grow, wisdom teeth sometimes lack space to grow. Especially in those who have a small or narrow jaw size. Narrow space for the growth of third molars can also occur due to imperfect jaw growth.
Studies show imperfect jaw growth can be triggered by changes in diet. Modern humans recently tend to eat soft foods so that the stimulation of jaw bone growth is reduced. Soft foods that are easy to swallow make the jawless and active in chewing. Conversely, foods that are fibrous require jaw strength and longer chewing time.
You need to know that the joint at the end of the jaw is the point of growth and development of the jaw. If the chewing process is reduced, then the activity of the joints will decrease and the jaw will not develop optimally as it should.
The human jaw, which should be enough to accommodate 32 teeth, has become narrower. That’s why third molars don’t have enough room to grow in.
Wisdom teeth that cannot grow into the gum surface are called impacted teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can occur for several reasons. There are common local factors, such as:
- Abnormal tooth position
- Pressure from the neighboring teeth on the teeth
- Thickening of the bone surrounding the teeth
- Lack of space for teeth to grow
- Late milk teeth
- Premature extraction of teeth
- Chronic inflammation causes the thickening of the mucosa around the teeth
- The effect of inflammation and abscesses around the teeth
- Changes in bones due to viral infections in children
Diagnosis
Impacted wisdom teeth can grow partially or not grow at all. Impacted teeth that grow partially often cause a buildup of food debris and plaque in the tissue around the teeth. Over time, this condition can cause complications in the form of inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, which is called pericoronitis. In addition, this inflammation can cause caries or cavities, bad breath, and gum abscesses.
It is also not uncommon for wisdom teeth to grow straight, but most of them are still covered by gums. If that part of the gum is bitten by the opposing tooth, pain can occur and then become inflamed. This condition is called Operculitis.
Treatment
To determine a treatment plan for impacted wisdom teeth, a direct and thorough examination by a dentist is required. Usually accompanied by a supporting examination in the form of a panoramic X-ray photo (photo of tooth tissue).
In addition, it is also necessary to pay attention to the location of the impacted wisdom teeth on the bones and neighboring teeth. Consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon should be done so that they can provide clear information about the procedure for treating impacted wisdom teeth.
Prevention
The growth of impacted wisdom teeth due to hereditary factors cannot be prevented. However, the condition of this kind of teeth can actually be observed since the growth of permanent teeth. Routine check-ups to the dentist can help monitor the development of these wisdom teeth.
Intake of fibrous nutrition and a balanced diet, especially during the growth period of children, can also help stimulate jaw development so that it grows optimally. Good growth can reduce the risk of impacted wisdom teeth.