Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, a period often associated with increased maturity and wisdom. Most people have four wisdom teeth, located behind the second molars on both the upper and lower jaws. In modern society, these teeth are considered largely unnecessary due to dietary changes and improved dental care, leading many to undergo surgical removal. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they cannot fully erupt, which may lead to pain, infection, or complications such as damage to adjacent teeth or nerves.
Even in the absence of infection, dentists may recommend extraction if wisdom teeth threaten orthodontic treatment or could complicate future denture use. Post-extraction care involves managing swelling and bleeding, typically with cold packs and saltwater rinses. Interestingly, research into the stem cells found in extracted wisdom teeth may pave the way for advancements in dental and medical therapies, including potential treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease. Overall, wisdom teeth represent a fascinating aspect of human dental health, with both historical significance and modern-day implications.
Wisdom teeth
Also known as: Third molars
Anatomy or system affected: Gums, mouth, teeth
Definition: The common term for the permanent third molars, which usually appear between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four.
Structure and Functions
The third molars are called wisdom teeth because they appear much later than the other permanent teeth, at an age when people are supposedly wiser than they were as children. The average number of wisdom teeth is four, but it is possible to have more or less. They come in behind the second molars on the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Wisdom teeth are no longer considered necessary. People now eat soft diets and have better dental care, which prevents decay and molar loss. Thus, the second molars are sufficient. The removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental surgical procedure.
Wisdom teeth become impacted if the tooth cannot erupt because of gum or bone hardness and/or lack of space. Impacted wisdom teeth fall into four categories: mesioangular refers to a tooth that is angled forward toward the front of the mouth; vertical refers to a tooth that does not fully erupt through the gum line; horizontal refers to a tooth that angles forward, growing into the roots of the second molar; and distoangular refers to a tooth that is angled backward.
Disorders and Diseases
Wisdom teeth may become infected when saliva, bacteria, or food particles collect around them, causing pain, decay, swelling, and, in severe cases, trismus (inability to open the mouth fully). The infection can spread to the cheek and neck. In rare cases, the infection has been linked to heart disease. Infected wisdom teeth are usually extracted.
Wisdom teeth may also be removed even if no infection is present, such as when a younger patient is having lengthy orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth, as unremoved wisdom teeth may erupt and damage the straightened teeth. Also, older patients who need dentures should have any latent wisdom teeth removed. Should wisdom teeth erupt beneath a denture, it could cause severe irritation. The patient could suffer considerable pain and must replace the dentures, as the shape of the jaw will have changed.
There is a possibility of nerve damage during tooth extraction. Two nerves are close to the lower wisdom teeth. One of them, the inferior alveolar nerve, supplies sensation to the lower teeth on the right and the left side of the mouth and a sense of touch to the right and left half of the chin and lower lip. The second nerve, the lingual, supplies a sense of touch and taste to the tongue and the gums. Injury can occur as a result of a faulty extraction or by a dental drill. Such injuries are rare, but damage can be prolonged or permanent.
Treatment after extraction usually consists of packing gauze pads in the hole for half an hour to control bleeding. Swelling is controlled by the use of cold packs. After twenty-four hours, rinsing with warm salt water every two hours will help healing. For minor discomfort, aspirin or ibuprofen can be taken.
Perspective and Prospects
Researchers from the United States and Australia have made stem cell studies on the dental pulp found in extracted wisdom teeth. These stem cells have the potential to save injured teeth and grow jawbone. As research progresses, it may be possible to use these stem cells to restore cells damaged by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. In the 2020s, opportunities became available for private individuals to extract and bank their personal stem cells for possible later use in their medical and personal lives.
Bibliography
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Steinmeh, Eric. “Yanking Those Wisdom Isn’t Always Necessary.” Health 19, no. 8 (October 2005): 91.
“Why Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth? 5 Great Reasons.” Stemodontics, 2023, stemodontics.com/stem-cells-from-wisdom-teeth. Accessed 21 July 2023.
"Wisdom Teeth." American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. July 25, 2013.