Wisdom teeth may frustrate many as they could bring various dental problems and incur high costs if a wisdom tooth removal surgery is required. In addition, there are numerous myths about wisdom teeth. Cigna Smart Health debunks some common myths and shares some wisdom teeth facts with you in this article.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molar teeth. They are located at the back of the upper and lower jaws and are the last teeth to emerge in the oral cavity. They usually erupt between ages 16 and 35. Thus, these teeth are called wisdom teeth as they appear during the phase of life called the "age of wisdom."
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Once essential for an early human diet of roots and leaves, wisdom teeth are actually like our blind gut, which is no longer necessary nowadays because of evolution.
Nowadays, we do not need this kind of molar teeth as our food is more miniature in size and softer in texture. In addition, with evolution, our lower jaw diminishes and do not have enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
No. Some people would only grow one to two wisdom teeth, while some do not have any wisdom teeth in their lives. One can have four wisdom teeth at most.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
As mentioned above, modern human beings have smaller jawbones, so wisdom teeth could not fit in the jaw anymore. When there is not enough space in the mouth, wisdom teeth may come in horizontally and become impacted. Hence, toothache or other dental problems may occur.
However, some may not have these problems if they have enough space for wisdom teeth to grow healthily.
When Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your dentist may suggest removing wisdom teeth if the following are observed.
- Tooth decay: With limited space, wisdom teeth could grow in the wrong direction, causing gaps where food debris can easily accumulate and deteriorate into cavities.
- Root resorption of the neighbouring tooth: The inflammation of the surrounding tissues caused by the dental plaque, together with the pressure of the wisdom tooth pushing on the adjacent tooth in front, may cause the root of the adjacent tooth to resorb.
- Swelling: Swelling and toothache could occur as the wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow.
- Pericoronitis: Food debris and bacteria are easily trapped in the space between the wisdom tooth crowns and the overlying gum, resulting in pericoronitis. It is even hard to heal as biting might hurt the inflamed gum.
- Pathological changes: Impacted wisdom teeth could lead to pathological changes such as cysts, damaging the jaw tissues.
To prevent the above conditions, you are advised to remove your wisdom teeth in advance.
Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth If There Is No Pain?
It is not necessary to remove wisdom teeth, but they are more likely to decay. Therefore, you are highly recommended to regularly have your dental check-up to ensure that they are not associated with decay or gum diseases.
However, some dental problems brought by wisdom teeth may not be visible or cause any pain. You may need an additional X-ray examination to unveil the hidden oral health issues.
Does Your Face Get Thinner After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
No, wisdom teeth removal is not likely to change your facial structures or make your face thinner in any way.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Facial Paralysis?
The answer is ‘no.’ According to Dr Chow Lop Keung from HKSH (Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)， the risk of facial paralysis is very rare. He pointed out that some patients have wisdom teeth close to their inferior alveolar nerves, increasing the possibility of interfering with the nerves during the operation. It may lead to temporary or even permanent loss in the sensory of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
If a wisdom tooth cannot be removed by using hands or pliers, surgery may be required to extract the tooth. The procedure is usually conducted with local anaesthesia, but some cases may need general anaesthesia or sedatives.
Normally, a wisdom tooth extraction is painless.
Are There Any Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Possible risks of a wisdom tooth surgery include infection at the wound, postoperative swelling, temporary/permanent facial paralysis and loss of taste. The latter two conditions are caused by the interference on the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve during the procedure.
Before extracting your wisdom tooth, please consult your dentist to make your decision.
With technological advancement, your dentist can evaluate the distance between the wisdom tooth and nerve with 3D scanning to lower the risk of hurting or damaging the nerve.
Tips for Home Care After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling on your face.
- Eat softer food or chew on the other side of the teeth.
- Avoid touching the wound, using mouthwash and brushing the teeth near the site.
- Avoid heavy work or strenuous exercises.
- Do not smoke or drink.
- If necessary, take some painkillers as per your dentist’s advice.
Reference Costs for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dental procedures are always costly in Hong Kong. Taking The Prince Philip Dental Hospital as an example, a simple wisdom tooth extraction and surgical removal cost HK$ 700 to $2,000 per tooth and HK$5,000 to $10,000 per tooth respectively. The fees mentioned earlier do not include general anaesthesia and additional examinations if the wisdom tooth is close to the alveolar nerve.
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