When a third set of molars begin to emerge in the mouth, what is normally felt is anything but wisdom; tooth pain is the common sensation that radiates throughout the jaw and mouth as these teeth push their way to the surface.
Wisdom teeth got their name likely due to the fact that they usually make their appearance toward the end of the teen years and early adulthood; an age that many would associate with the age of wisdom. At one point long ago in human existence, these teeth were necessary because of the crude diets of early man. Teeth would be ground down and lost early, which made extra space in the jaw for the extra molars. However, with the processed foods of today’s diets, the degradation of teeth no longer occurs to that extent and less space is available in the mouth for the late teeth. Despite this fact, the teeth do form and erupt in the mouths of most individuals; creating pain and complications as they force their way into a mouth that cannot accommodate them.
One complication that commonly occurs due to lack of space is that the molars become impacted, or out of position. When allowed to remain in a mouth that is too small for them, the crooked teeth become a target for food particles, plaque buildup and bacteria; resulting in a number of different issues. Gum disease, abscesses and infection are all possible conditions that can contribute to wisdom tooth pain.
It is generally recommended that these unnecessary molars are removed at the first sign of their formation during the teenage years. With undeveloped roots, the teeth are easier to remove and the healing process is much quicker in younger individuals. The process of removing them is considered to be dental surgery, which is often performed by placing the individual under intravenous sedation, or medicated sleep. An incision is made in the tissue over and around the tooth, with bone removal also necessary in some cases to facilitate the extraction of the tooth. Healing takes a few days to a couple of weeks, with some swelling and discomfort experienced.
Though the eruption of this third set of molars may not cause problems in every individual, it is generally recommended for them to be extracted to avoid wisdom tooth pain caused by overcrowded, impaction and disease of the gums. When removed early, the remaining teeth will have a better chance of staying healthy; making it a wise choice for any individual.