Is there a link between wisdom teeth and having to undergo orthodontic treatment? This is a question that comes up often from patients. And more particularly:
- How do wisdom teeth affect the position of other teeth?
- Should we be worried about seeing his wisdom teeth grow?
- Should we have wisdom teeth extracted, and when?
We are going to answer these different questions here, which many of you ask yourself, whether for yourself or for your children. These questions often come up in patients who have finished their treatment and who sometimes fear posterior movements caused by wisdom teeth.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Everyone’s fears and questions related to wisdom teeth,
- Their effect on other teeth and their positioning,
- And, above all, we will encourage you to consult a specialist orthodontist before making a decision, because the diagnosis is different for each case!
In any case, know it:
There is no causal link between wisdom teeth and orthodontic recurrence. The reasons for recurrence are to be sought on the side of the absence of compression wire or wearing a safety gutter when the wire breaks.
What are wisdom teeth?
Most adults naturally have 4 wisdom teeth, but about 15-20% of people never develop at least one of these four teeth. What are called wisdom teeth are the third and last molars, which are found at the very bottom on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They are the last teeth to grow through the gums – hence their name wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth often develop without posing any particular problem. However, sometimes the wisdom tooth does not have enough space to grow and causes severe pain.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
If anthropologists are to be believed, our wisdom teeth originally evolved to help our ancestors make the most of food in their environment (such as roots, nuts and meats). It took large and powerful jaws to chew this food, and wisdom teeth lent themselves particularly well! Currently, our jaws are smaller and, for many of us, wisdom teeth no longer have enough space. As our diet has changed dramatically over the millennia (with more soft foods), our wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for our survival.
Do wisdom teeth always hurt when they appear?
The short answer is: no, not always! For some people, wisdom teeth will develop painlessly and there will be no impact on the rest of the teeth. In this case, action is unlikely to be taken. However, some people have a very different experience!
Why is the growth of wisdom teeth sometimes so painful?
There are a number of reasons why wisdom teeth can be painful when they come out. Sometimes it’s a space problem: they put pressure on the other adjacent teeth. It can also be due to the fact that the tooth is stuck sideways or under another tooth. In this case, the gum covering the wisdom tooth can become swollen and infected, which can hurt the jaw or the area around the ear.
How long can the discomfort last?
The discomfort of wisdom teeth can last between one and two weeks, but it varies from one individual to another, each case is unique. The pain is rarely static and may increase or decrease at certain times of the day, depending on the stages.
How to reduce the pain of wisdom teeth sticking out?
If you’re having pain while your wisdom teeth are sticking out, one of the most effective remedies is taking over-the- counter pain relievers. Some teething gels can also be applied directly to the area around your wisdom tooth.
Heat and ice can also help relieve pain:
- You can try putting ice cubes in a cloth and placing it on the flaming side of your face,
- Or eat an ice cube and hold it over the painful area inside your mouth.
If the wisdom tooth pain is severe or you notice swelling around the face or jaw, go to your dental surgeon urgently, as this indicates that the area around the tooth is infected.