The Tribune

AS EARLY as the age of 15, and definitely between the ages of 17 and 25, the most complicated teeth arrive on the scene in the mouths of most people. These are called the wisdom teeth, or in most clinical settings, the third molars. There are usually four wisdom teeth present in the mouths of most adults.

Additionally, we find many combinations of wisdom teeth in the mouth. A person may have no wisdom teeth at all, or extra wisdom teeth (for example more than four). Sometimes we find other combinations of wisdom teeth. A person may have one, or two, or three wisdom teeth. These may all be in the upper jaw, or all in the lower jaw, or on the person’s right, or the person’s left side.

In many people, the wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth without incident. However, in a huge number of people, the wisdom teeth are a major concern erupting with pain. They must then be surgically removed from the mouth in order to cure the concern.

The main reason for wisdom problems is that many mouths have insufficient space to accommodate the wisdom teeth. When this happens, a natural process occurs where the teeth remain partially or completed buried under the gums and jawbone. This is referred to clinically as “wisdom teeth impaction”.

• What are partially impacted wisdom teeth?

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are those where a portion of a wisdom tooth is visible. There is usually a section of the gum that covers a part of the tooth. The gum around the wisdom tooth often becomes infected (pericoronitis) because of bacterial invasion of the gum in the area of the wisdom teeth.

• Pericoronitis

This bacterial infection, which usually occurs in the gum around a wisdom tooth, is treated with antibiotics. This treatment usually brings resolve to the infection. This infection is usually recurrent because as long as the wisdom tooth remains, there is a great chance of reinfection by bacteria. The pericoronitis disappears when the wisdom tooth is removed.

• What are bony impacted wisdom teeth?

Bony impacted wisdom teeth are those situations where the wisdom teeth are embedded in the jawbones. These wisdoms can sometimes survive an entire lifetime without any issue. However, in many instances, these wisdoms become troublesome, and painful, and must be surgically removed from the mouth (usually by an oral surgeon) in order for comfort to return.

• Conclusion and recommendation

Impacted wisdom teeth will affect a large percentage of most populations. It is nobody’s fault. Jaw sizes are genetically determined and the smaller jaws are likely to incur wisdom issues. The earlier in life that wisdom teeth impactions are treated, the better. This is because the jawbone density and hardness is less in a teenager as compared with a much older adult.

Finally, if you are an adult and still have your wisdom teeth, or do not know if you do, it is advisable that you have a professional dental examination so that your wisdom teeth can be evaluated. This is a necessary examination.