Wisdom teeth usually come through between late teens and early twenties. The medical name for a wisdom tooth is “the third molar” or “the m3”. The wisdom tooth is the third major molar at the back of the mouth.
Many people do not experience any discomfort from the wisdom teeth. But if the molars come through crooked, do not erupt as they should, if there is not enough room in the jaw or if the tissue around the molars is chronically inflamed, the dentist may decide to refer you to the dental surgeon for extraction of the tooth.
Treatment
The removal of wisdom teeth, or any other tooth, is performed using local anaesthesia. Because the dental surgeon sometimes needs to make an incision and cut the tooth into smaller pieces, the recovery can take a few days. The wound is closed with dissolvable sutures. After the surgery, the cheek may swell, turn blue and an after bleeding may occur. Swallowing, eating or drinking can be difficult the first days after the operation. Temporary numbness of the lip, chin or tongue can also occur. Most complaints will disappear after three days. The removal of wisdom teeth is a routine operation. Complications are rare.
