12 myths and truths about wisdom teeth

Who hasn’t heard about wisdom teeth? It is also called the third molar and is popularly known as the “wisdom tooth” because it happens to be born, most of the time, in adolescence.

Alessandro Silva, master and specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology at UNICAMP, doctor in Surgery and Traumatology BMF at USP, and director of Interclin, explains that the wisdom tooth, also technically called the third molar, is the last tooth to erupt (or appear) in the mouth.

“Usually these teeth erupt around 17 to 25 years of age. Typically, they appear at an age that has been called the ‘Age of Judgment’. That’s why they are popularly known as ‘wisdom teeth’”, he comments.

The professional highlights that, with a few exceptions, most people have 4 third molars (or wisdom teeth): two upper ones, one right and one left, and two lower ones, also right and left. “In the case of exceptions, some patients may be missing one, two or even all of the third molars”, says Silva.

The oral and maxillofacial surgeon also explains that these teeth present enormous variability in their morphology and positioning, which requires different accesses and surgical techniques to approach them.

Myths and Truths About Wisdom Teeth

It is true that wisdom teeth are often regarded as a matter of concern among some people. Most of them relate the removal of the third molar as something extremely painful and complicated.

There are even many myths around the subject. Few people know, for example, that not all people are born with this tooth and that, in some cases, even those people who have it will not need to have it extracted.

With that in mind, below you can find the main information about wisdom teeth:

1. All people have wisdom teeth

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that this is a myth, as some people can be born without a wisdom tooth. “And in other cases the tooth may be there, but that doesn’t mean that it will erupt and that it will erupt,” he adds.

2. Everyone who has a wisdom tooth needs to have it removed

Myth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Alessandro Silva explains that the vast majority of patients do not have enough space for an adequate eruption of these teeth. “When these elements manage to erupt, they are usually out of position or partially erupted. This situation invariably leads to dental caries, periodontal disease and infection,” he says.

Also according to the professional, this causes quite severe pain, requiring professional care to remove these pains. “Therefore, in cases of impacted or semi-impacted teeth, they must be removed”, explains Alessandro Silva.

“Wisdom teeth that do not have support in the teeth of the arch opposite them can extrude (grow) and distalize (move away from neighboring teeth), which can lead to cavities and periodontal problems, by facilitating food retention. These teeth must also be removed, to avoid a bigger problem”, adds the specialist.

However, if there is space for the wisdom tooth to erupt without harming the alignment of the other teeth, there is no need for it to be extracted.

3. It is possible to know even before the wisdom tooth is born if the person will have it

Truth. Alessandro Silva points out that it is possible to know even before the wisdom teeth erupt (emerge) if the person will or will not have them, how many there will be, if they will cause any problems or if they can remain. “To do this, the patient should look for the dentist, where he will be referred to carry out radiological exams in order to diagnose their presence and their conditions”, he says.

Also according to the specialist, it is important that the diagnosis is early and the study of removal is done as soon as possible (the younger the patient). “The ideal age to evaluate these teeth is from 16 or 17 years old, as the natural increase in bone hardness that occurs with age and the anatomical characteristics of the formation of the tooth may make it difficult to remove it”, he says.

4. The wisdom tooth misaligns the other teeth

Truth. Alessandro Silva explains that this happens because, if there is not enough space in the mouth, the wisdom tooth will push the other teeth, harming the bite and even the aesthetics. “However, if there is room for it to come in without harming the alignment of the other teeth, there is no need for it to be extracted,” he says.

5. The wisdom tooth needs to be removed in adolescence

Myth. The age will depend on the shape and position of the teeth. “It is more common to remove wisdom teeth around the age of 17, when they are usually more aligned for this removal, but, really, each case is a case”, highlights Alessandro Silva.

The expert points out, however, that it is not a wise decision to wait until the wisdom tooth starts to bother. “In general, earlier removal results in a less complicated healing process. Researchers in this area have found that more adult patients are more prone to diseases arising from these teeth, including periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontal infections can affect the general state of health, causing fever, dehydration, prostration and general malaise”, explains Silva.

6. Wisdom extraction is easier in young patients

Truth. Alessandro Silva explains that wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, “since their roots are not fully formed, the tissue around the tooth is softer and there is less chance of causing damage to the nerves present. in the area”.

“Wisdom removal at a later age becomes more complex, mainly because the roots have become larger and often involve the large nerve of the mandible, and the surrounding bone is very compact and more calcified,” adds the researcher. specialist. However, it is worth mentioning that this does not mean that the extraction cannot be done.

7. Even before birth, the wisdom tooth is subject to cavities

Truth. Even if the wisdom tooth has not been born, highlights specialist Silva, decay can destroy the tooth, as there can be inflammation of the gum with bacteria that will penetrate. “In these cases, the wisdom tooth can be extracted or an antibiotic treatment can be used,” he says.

8. Whoever extracts one of the wisdom teeth will need to extract the others

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that this is a myth. “The only restriction is for the extraction of the lower right tooth before the extraction of the upper right. But as for the opposite side, there is no problem,” he says.

“In some cases, the dentist may find it best to remove both sides at once. But this will only happen after a specialist in the subject judges the case and assesses the degree of difficulty of this removal”, adds the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

9. The wisdom tooth is always larger than the other bottom teeth

Myth. Alessandro Silva points out that there is no standard for wisdom teeth. “Characteristics vary from person to person and the tooth can have different roots, shapes and be large or small,” he says.

10. The person has a swollen face after wisdom tooth extraction

Truth. Alessandro Silva points out that swelling is inevitable. “It will only depend on how the tooth was positioned during the surgery, but it is inevitable in any case, as it is a delicate procedure”, he says.

“In situations of bone removal (osteotomy), the chance of traumatizing the soft tissue is greater and, in this case, the postoperative period can be even more uncomfortable”, adds the specialist.

11. After removing the wisdom tooth, it is necessary to rest

Truth. Wisdom removal is nothing more than a surgical procedure and, therefore, it is necessary for the patient to rest for at least three days, highlights Alessandro Silva. “After this period, it is recommended to look for the specialist to see if you can go back to the routine”, he says.

12. The person should not use a toothbrush in the operated area right after the surgery.

Truth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Silva explains that the person should brush their teeth normally, with the exception of the region where the surgery was performed. “As a delicate procedure was carried out, care should be taken when passing the brush through this region”, he says.

Necessary care before and after wisdom tooth removal

Below, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon Alessandro Silva gives general guidelines on the extraction of wisdom tooth(s) and mentions precautions that must be taken before and after surgery:

• It is very important to tell the professional if you have any disease, whatever it is, and to let them know if you are taking any type of medication. Hiding important information at this point can be very costly.
• It is important to know that the relative ease with which a wisdom tooth is removed will depend on several conditions, including the position of the tooth and the size of its roots. A partially or fully impacted wisdom tooth will require a more delicate and precise surgical procedure.
• Most wisdom tooth extractions are performed in the office with local anesthesia and oral sedation, but if you prefer, there are hospitals prepared for this surgery to be performed under intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia. You will be able to discuss with the professional the anesthetic options that best suit you.
• Shortly after the surgery, you may experience some swelling in the face on the operated side and discomfort – all part of the normal healing process. Ice packs help reduce swelling, and other medications may be prescribed by your doctor.
• You will also be instructed to change your diet in the days following surgery.
• Oral surgery, such as removal of impacted (wisdom) teeth, placement of titanium dental implants, biopsies and other similar procedures, imposes an increase in nutrients in the diet. Generally, after removal of impacted teeth, a lighter diet and cessation of physical activities (exercise) are recommended for a period of one week.
• After the removal of the wisdom tooth(s), the intake of carbonated soft drinks is also suspended, drinking anything through plastic straws (straws), vigorous mouthwashes with mouthwashes, as these can disturb the surgical wound.

Now that you have clarified your doubts about the wisdom tooth, you know that it is not a “seven-headed animal” and that, in some cases, it does not even need to be extracted. But, if removal is necessary, just look for a good professional to do this service. It is also important to follow all the guidelines given by him so that the surgery offers good results!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.