Most of us have heard about wisdom teeth, also called third molars, but not everyone knows what they are, when they appear, or what problems they can cause to nearby teeth and gums.
Many people think wisdom teeth always cause pain, but this is not true. Some people never feel any discomfort.
At Channel Islands Family Dental Office in Newbury Park, we want to explain clearly what wisdom teeth are, when it is necessary to remove them, how we perform the procedure, and how to care for yourself to recover safely.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear in the mouth. They are behind the second molars and usually come in between ages 18 and 25. Sometimes only some appear, or they may never grow at all. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they come in at a more mature stage of life.
In the past, our ancestors needed bigger jaws to chew tough foods, so wisdom teeth had space to grow. Today, our jaws are smaller and our food is softer. This can cause wisdom teeth to grow in the wrong position or become impacted, which may lead to pain, swelling, infections, or even damage to nearby teeth.
Common symptoms
Some impacted wisdom teeth do not cause symptoms. But when they do, you may notice:
- Constant or occasional pain at the back of the mouth
- Swelling of the face or gums nearby
- Difficulty opening your mouth (trismus)
- Bad breath
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
These signs show the need for a professional evaluation to prevent bigger problems.