Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Number, Complications, and Extraction

1. What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars or tooth number 8, are the last set of molars to emerge in the jaw. Typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25, these teeth often stir controversy within the dental community regarding their necessity and potential complications.
The dental world remains divided on whether to retain or extract wisdom teeth, adding to the complexity of managing these late-emerging molars.

2. How Many Wisdom Teeth Does a Person Have?

In a full set of 32 teeth, four additional molars emerge as wisdom teeth—two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. However, due to the evolutionary reduction in jaw size over millions of years, accommodating these additional teeth can pose challenges.

Complications arise when there isn't enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to grow in the normal direction, leading to various growth patterns, including backward growth, straight growth toward adjacent molars, or partial emergence followed by stagnation.

3. Complications Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Misaligned wisdom teeth can lead to several health complications:

• Cavities: Difficulty in cleaning food around wisdom teeth fosters bacterial accumulation, leading to tooth decay.
• Gingivitis: Infection in the surrounding gums results in pain, swelling, and potential long-term consequences if left untreated.
• Bone and Tooth Destruction: Crooked growth may damage adjacent teeth, causing loosening, bone loss, and eventual extraction.

In severe cases, untreated wisdom tooth abnormalities can lead to life-threatening infections spreading to surrounding areas.

4. To Extract or Not to Extract Wisdom Teeth

The decision to extract wisdom teeth depends on various factors. Doctors recommend extraction in cases involving pain, infections, cysts, or when wisdom teeth may impact adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth that are well-aligned but pose future risks may also be extracted.

On the other hand, extraction may not be necessary if wisdom teeth grow normally, without complications, and are not causing systemic issues.

5. When to Extract Wisdom Teeth

Experts recommend the optimal time for wisdom tooth extraction is between the ages of 18 and 25 when tooth roots are 2/3 formed. Delaying extraction beyond the mid-30s may result in more challenging surgery due to denser bones.

However, individual factors, both systemic and local, may influence the decision, and elderly patients may face prolonged healing processes post-surgery.

Understanding the dynamics of wisdom teeth, potential complications, and the optimal timing for extraction is crucial for informed decision-making and maintaining oral health.