Why are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in humans, usually not until after the age of 20. This is also related to the name “wisdom teeth”: it has been thought that they erupt around the same time a person has reached adulthood and, consequently, has also become wiser. However, there is no actual correlation between wisdom teeth and IQ, so you can get by just fine in life even without them!

The most common reason for wisdom tooth removal is a lack of space in the mouth. In modern humans, these last molars in the dental arch usually do not fit in the jaws, which means they often erupt crookedly or only partially. Teeth that are located at the back of the mouth and have only partially erupted are difficult to keep clean, as food and debris easily accumulate in the gum pockets. This increases the risk of gum disease. More than half of Finns over the age of 20 require the removal of at least one wisdom tooth.

Why should an asymptomatic wisdom tooth be removed?

Dental X-rays are an essential part of planning wisdom tooth extraction. From the X-ray, the dentist can see in which direction the wisdom teeth are erupting and when they are expected to erupt. However, asymptomatic wisdom teeth are not always removed, and treatment recommendations in this regard have changed in recent years: if the teeth fit well in the dental arch and there are no problems keeping them clean, the wisdom teeth can be left in the mouth.

How do you know if a wisdom tooth needs to be removed?

Clear signs of inflammation indicate that something is wrong. If a tooth or the gum area is clearly sore and self-care doesn’t seem to help, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a dentist. If the pain is accompanied by a fever or difficulty opening your mouth, you should see a dentist immediately. Infections in the mouth and teeth contribute to systemic inflammation and can have a broad impact on your overall health.

Wisdom teeth usually come up during a dental visit, even if there haven’t been any problems with them yet. You don’t need to worry about the condition of your wisdom teeth if you go for regular dental checkups. We’ll work out a suitable schedule for their possible removal!

Does having your wisdom teeth removed hurt?

People are often needlessly scared of wisdom tooth extractions, because we tend to pass on only the stories that have something to them. Most wisdom tooth extractions don’t make the headlines or even become office coffee-break talk, since the tooth comes out of the mouth relatively smoothly. If the tooth has fully erupted, the extraction can be performed in the “usual” way, so to speak: the tooth is numbed and then removed whole or in pieces.

However, if the wisdom tooth has not fully erupted or is still embedded in the jawbone, a small incision must be made in the gum and, if necessary, bone must be removed from around the tooth. After that, the tooth is removed either whole or in pieces. Naturally, this procedure also begins with anesthesia, so even though the process sounds daunting, you’ll only feel a little pressure in your mouth.

Can you take sick leave after having a wisdom tooth removed?

A few days of rest may be necessary, especially if the wisdom tooth had to be surgically removed. The length of sick leave also depends on the patient’s job: physically demanding work may require a longer period of sick leave. Usually, the worst swelling and pain subside within a couple of days, and you can return to work and your normal daily routine.