Wising Up About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are normally the last teeth to appear in the mouth. It usually happens when people are older and wiser. That is, when they are in their late teenage years or early twenties.

Wisdom teeth are molars, or chewing teeth at the back of the mouth. The third set of molars, if you have them, are your wisdom teeth.  

They can grow into place normally and never cause a problem. But often there is not enough room for them in the mouth. They might crowd the other teeth. Sometimes they even push through the gums sideways.

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that fails to completely rise through the gums -- the term is erupt. Wisdom teeth that only partly erupt can leave space for bacteria to enter around the tooth.  Infection is a risk in these cases.

Experts say people should have their mouths examined between the ages of sixteen and twenty for placement of their wisdom teeth. X-rays can show wisdom teeth below the gums. Those that are not well aligned and become impacted are often removed.

The American Dental Association says removal is generally advised when wisdom teeth only partly break through the gums. Removal is also advised if there is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage other teeth. And removal is called for in cases where fluid collects around a wisdom tooth that is partly or fully below the gum.

But why do we have wisdom teeth if we often need to get them removed? One theory has to do with our diets. Scientists say the diet of prehistoric humans probably required more chewing teeth. Life was probably a little rougher on the teeth back then, too. So it was good to have extras.

The removal of wisdom teeth is performed by oral surgeons. They say if removal is advised, the best time to do it is before the teeth cause any problems or pain.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says young adults are the best candidates for wisdom teeth removal. The group says older patients may be at greater risk for disease in the tissue surrounding the molars.

Patients can have general anesthesia during the operation. Or they might choose to have a local painkiller and remain awake. It may depend on the condition of the wisdom teeth and the number to be removed.

After surgery, there can be swelling of the gums and face and some pain. Both can be treated with cold wraps and medication.

And that's the VOA Special English Health Report, written by Caty Weaver. I'm Faith Lapidus.