Wisdom teeth

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Wisdom teeth rarely bring wisdom, but rather problems. If these last four teeth break through in adolescents, there is usually hardly any space left in the jaw. Officially, the wisdom teeth are one of the 32 teeth in a healthy set of teeth. However, they are not necessarily needed for chewing or speaking. Find out more about wisdom teeth here!

Hidden wisdom teeth

Sometimes the wisdom teeth do not break through into the oral cavity, but remain hidden (retained) in the jawbone until old age. This is the case for up to 80 percent of young adults in the European population. The reason is usually a lack of space in the jaw.

Usually this is not a problem. However, a retained wisdom tooth can also become inflamed and then become uncomfortable. If it also damages the root of the neighboring tooth, inflammation of the roots and pain can be the consequences.

Later breakthrough

Wisdom teeth eruption can be a difficult problem for teenagers. Health problems can occur, such as enlarged lymph nodes, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and swelling in the mouth. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and ear pain. Many of those affected can no longer open their mouths properly due to pain.

Sometimes wisdom teeth only partially break through the gums. A mucous membrane cap remains on the tooth and is difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Such teeth are a preferred target for bacteria and tooth decay.

In some adolescents, the germs for the wisdom teeth are only incomplete or not created at all from birth. This is not a problem and saves some trouble.

Pull or not?

Wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed. If they do not press on the neighboring tooth or cause other discomfort, the dentist does not have to intervene. However, if the wisdom teeth cause problems, they should be pulled as early as possible.

A broken wisdom tooth is usually removed like any other tooth. If it is still completely or partially in the jawbone, surgical intervention is necessary. Here, the surface of the bone is removed - an operation that is not entirely straightforward.

As a rule, the wisdom teeth are in hard-to-reach places. Often times, the roots are near a jaw nerve, which can be injured during tooth extraction. Most dentists and orthodontists have a lot of experience with the removal of wisdom teeth - this is one of the most common surgical interventions in the dental area (according to the German Society for Orthodontics, DGKFO).

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