Where Are Your Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often spark curiosity and concern among individuals as they approach their late teens and early twenties. These teeth have a reputation for causing trouble, leading many to wonder why they exist and where they’re hiding within the confines of our mouths.
This guide explains what to know about wisdom teeth so you can understand when normal development may need dental review.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are a fascinating aspect of human dental anatomy. They’re the third set of molars, positioned at the farthest reaches of the mouth.
Humans typically have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Unlike other teeth, which usually emerge during early childhood, wisdom teeth are late bloomers, often making their presence known between the ages of 17 and 25.
Upper wisdom teeth sit behind the second molars in the upper jaw, while lower wisdom teeth develop in the lower jaw.
Wisdom Tooth Anatomy Lesson
These molars are nestled deep within the jawbone, typically residing beneath the surface of the gums. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, they often lack sufficient space to erupt properly. This can lead to various dental issues, including impaction, crowding, and misalignment of the dental arches.
Evolutionary Remnants
Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth are remnants of our ancestors’ larger jaws and diets that included tougher, harder-to-chew foods. In earlier times, when tooth loss was more common due to dental diseases and poor oral hygiene, a wisdom tooth could serve as a replacement. However, as human jaws have evolved to become smaller over time, there’s often insufficient space for these latecomers, leading to complications.
The Mystery of Their Location
Wisdom teeth are often called “hidden teeth” for good reason. They can remain buried beneath the gums for years, causing no apparent trouble until they attempt to emerge. However, due to their position at the back of the mouth and the limited space available, they often become impacted, meaning they are unable to erupt fully through the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, damage to nearby teeth, and even cyst formation in severe cases.
Eruption Troubles
The process of wisdom teeth eruption can be fraught with difficulties. In many cases, the teeth may only partially emerge or become impacted, leading to a host of problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, stiffness, pain, and even difficulty opening the mouth.
In addition, they can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of infection and tooth decay. Removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure for these very reasons.
When Removal May Be Recommended
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Removal may be recommended when a tooth is impacted and causing pain, repeated infection or damage to nearby teeth. Some teeth without symptoms may simply be monitored with regular check-ups and x-rays. Your dentist will explain whether treatment is recommended in your case, and why.
Proactive Dental Care
Wisdom teeth removal can be a proactive step for people whose teeth are already causing problems or are likely to. Depending on the case, treatment may use local anaesthetic in the chair, IV sedation in the chair with a specialist anaesthetist who ensures the patient is comfortable throughout, or general anaesthetic, , which is always undertaken in an SA Health licensed and accredited hospital or day surgery. Dr Evan Jones consults and treats patients under general anaesthetic at a number of accredited hospitals. Most wisdom tooth cases, particularly for patients who are fit and healthy, do not require referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Complex cases, or cases that would benefit from specialist management, are referred appropriately. Safety and the best patient outcome determine whether Dr Evan Jones performs the surgery or recommends specialist referral.
Dental X-rays help our dentists see the position of each wisdom tooth before recommending monitoring, treatment, or removal.
It’s important to note that you may not need all your wisdom teeth removed. On some occasions, you may only need your lower or upper wisdom teeth removed. That’s why it’s important to book an appointment at Kensington Dental Care to determine a suitable treatment plan for you.
General information only
This article provides general information and does not replace personal dental advice. Every wisdom tooth, jaw and medical history is different, so what suits one patient may not suit another. Please consult a qualified dentist about your own circumstances before making any treatment decision.
To arrange an assessment with our team, book an appointment or call us on (08) 8333 0885.
Book an Appointment with Kensington Dental Today
If you’re curious about your wisdom teeth and want to learn more about whether they may pose an issue in the future, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Kensington Dental Care. Our experienced Kensington Park team can provide a comprehensive examination, personalised advice, and help you understand your wisdom teeth options without pressure. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth, our team is happy to help — contact us today to book an appointment.
