As you all might already know the third molars are called wisdom teeth because of their late eruption in life; usually between 17-25 years of age, after adolescence when a person is considered mature and wise enough. It is also considered to be the most challenging teeth in treatment planning and surgical care.
The question as to why the 3rd molars prove to be difficult is because of man’s evolution. From the raw, rough eating habits of early man to the refined soft diet of the present, a change in jaw size has led to impaction of the third molar. A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by the overlying gum, bone or another tooth.
The main thing about wisdom teeth that concerns people is if it should be removed? The dentist always advises on getting the wisdom teeth removed, even when there isn’t any problem with it but naturally as people fear extraction they keep put it off. But this isn’t a very wise thing to do! Studies conducted show that optimal healing and a less complicated extraction may take place in a younger patient. The older the patient, the more complications arise. This may be due to the fact that when the patient is younger the roots of the teeth are not completely formed and the surrounding bone is softer. There is also a reduced risk of damage to the nerves running below teeth when the roots are shorter. The longer the wisdom tooth remains in the mouth trying to erupt, the greater is the predisposition to infection and periodontitis. This may happen in case of a partially impacted 3rd molar, where only a part of the crown is visible in the mouth. Lodging and entrapment of food particles can take place easily here thus leading to infection and inflammation of the gums surrounding the tooth, a condition called pericoronitis. Localized periodontitis is also a common occurrence, because of the abnormal positioning taken up by the molar when trying to erupt in the confined space available. A pocket or deepened space between the gum and tooth may be created leading to infection. A surgery done at the time of infection leads to more pain, more complications and a slower recovery.
A more serious and scarier complication that may take place is the formation of cysts. When the tooth is impacted for long, there is a possibility of fluid accumulation in the sac surrounding the tooth. The cyst may enlarge with time and encroach on the adjacent structures surrounding the tooth, hollowing out the bone as it enlarges. When the patient is symptomatic, he may present with a large swelling and pain and fracture of the jaw may be anticipated during surgery depending on the amount of bone remaining at the site. Rarely if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from it and a more serious surgical procedure may be necessary to remove it.
A recent study has also revealed that third molars which have erupted into the mouth may be as prone to disease as those that remain impacted and 85% of third molars eventually need removal. All in all, as per the saying a stitch in time saves nine, removal of the third molar would provide a better and painless oral environment. So make a wise decision before it’s too late!