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They appear in the last position of the dentition and usually cause problems. Is evolution to blame?
Over the years, our upper and lower jaws have reduced in size, although we have maintained the same number of teeth:
##NUM##32.
And of course, the last ones, the “third molars” or “tail teeth”, also called “wisdom jaws”, almost don’t fit in our mouths.
That’s why they tend to come out crooked, half-hearted or with almost no space.
And in many cases, they don’t even come out.
Curiously, these molars, which cause problems for two-thirds of the adult population, according to data from the Spanish Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Secom), currently have no use.
Our ancestors used them to chew roots or raw meat, foods that are not included in our current diet.
So it’s easy to imagine that they have little future.
Although evolution itself will be responsible for making the third molars disappear, it is true that they are the only parts that dentists do not fight to save, as we do with the rest of your teeth -conservative dentistry-.
But is it always advisable to extract a wisdom tooth?
When is it appropriate to remove a wisdom tooth?
There are different cases that justify their extraction, including: Cavities and infections.
As it is an area that is difficult to access with a toothbrush and dental floss, it is difficult to maintain hygiene as adequate as that of the rest of the mouth.
Retained or erupted complaint.
Due to the lack of space, it is common for these molars not to erupt completely or to erupt incorrectly, which can cause all kinds of problems, such as affecting the molars on the sides, or causing infections due to food that inevitably gets trapped in the area.
Although it is a professional who must determine if you are suffering from any of these symptoms and, therefore, who will tell you if it is necessary to have the piece removed, you are surely already noticing that something is happening in your mouth.
Consequences of not removing a wisdom tooth in poor condition Not only is it unnecessary to keep a wisdom tooth in poor condition in your mouth, it is also dangerous as it can cause you: Pain and inflammation in the jaw (phlegmon).
Bad breath.
Redness and inflammation in the gums.
Bleeding gums and sensitivity.
Recurrent infections.
Deformation of the nearby teeth.
Care and recommendations after tooth extraction or extraction. The extraction of a third molar does not have to cause any discomfort or complications.
However, it is important that you follow a series of guidelines between 24 hours and a week after the intervention.
Among them: Maintain the gaze.
It is advisable to do this to avoid bleeding for at least 20 or 30 minutes after the extraction.
It is enough to gently bite the gauze.
Don’t brush yourself.
During the next 24 hours it will be better not to brush or rinse your mouth, to allow the clot to form which will prevent bleeding and promote healing.
I sleep with two pillows.
The first and also the second night after the extraction, it is recommended that you sleep with your head slightly raised, the two pillows will help you maintain your posture.
Don’t do physical exercise.
Any exertion is discouraged during the first 24 hours after extraction.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid consuming them during the weeks following the extraction as they increase the risk of infection.
Follow a cold and soft diet.
The cold is good for healing and it is advisable not to force yourself when chewing, as this will help healing.