Wisdom teeth

of the judgment are the third - as well as last - molars that emerge in the dental arches. Also called eighths, wisdom teeth owe their singular name to the age at which they erupt through the gums: compared to other teeth, wisdom teeth are slow to emerge and normally appear between 18 and 25 years, an age that - at least theoretically - it could be called the "age of judgment".

: under normal conditions, each wisdom tooth occupies the last - as well as the innermost - position of each dental half-arch.
However, third molars do not always make their onset: it is not uncommon for one or more wisdom teeth, remaining embedded in the bone and gum, to fail to erupt. In such circumstances, incomplete permanent dentition reflects a condition known as hypodontia (there are fewer than four wisdom teeth).
Other times, while partially managing to erupt from the gum, the wisdom teeth do not complete their development: in similar circumstances, the third molars, not finding sufficient space to complete growth, remain anchored in the maxillary or mandibular bone. incomplete wisdom teeth can, in turn, predispose to the formation of foci of chronic inflammation, so much so as to require the extraction of the disturbing tooth.

and tough, tough foods - our ancestors needed very strong teeth, and jaws that were just as strong and resilient. Evolution and the struggle for survival have thus "given" wisdom teeth to the men of the past, making it easier for them to chew these foods.
In the modern era, however, the diet is softer, therefore made up of softer foods that do not require such vigorous and energetic chewing. For this reason, the jaws of contemporary man have undergone a real evolution (to better say, involution) certainly not very happy: being less developed than in the past, the smaller jaws prevent or hinder the correct development of the teeth. of judgment.

. In fact, when they are perfectly aligned and do not create disturbances of any kind, wisdom teeth can also remain in their natural place for life. Despite what has been stated, some dentists are of the opinion that wisdom teeth should always be removed surgically, as they are useless for chewing purposes and (above all) a possible source of gum disease and periodontal pathologies (eg pyorrhea).
In any case, what is certain is that the extraction of wisdom teeth is indispensable in the following circumstances:

• Wisdom teeth are affected by CARIES or PULPITIS: in this case, it is strongly advised not to undergo a filling or devitalization operation to correct the infection. Such a choice would not make much sense precisely because it would save a tooth " useless "for the purpose of chewing, therefore undergoing an unnecessary intervention.
• Wisdom teeth are severely damaged by DENTAL ABSCESSES, cysts, dental granulomas or other serious complications.
• The wisdom tooth grows incorrectly and IS NOT ALIGNED with the other teeth: the abnormal position assumed by the third molar not only prevents or hinders the correct dental cleaning with toothpaste, brush and dental floss, but also exposes the same tooth to the risk of tooth decay, toothache, swollen and inflamed gums and, in severe cases, dental abscess.
• Failure / incomplete development of third molars can cause TOOTHACHE and GINGIVAL INFLAMMATION (pericoronitis). Furthermore, a growth defect in the wisdom teeth creates a sort of gingival depression, within which bacteria can penetrate, triggering a series of damage and infections that gradually degenerate.
• A PARTIALLY TRAPPED TOOTH in the gum can undermine the health and stability of adjacent teeth: by not finding enough space, wisdom teeth push others, causing crooked teeth, chewing difficulties and crowding of the teeth, laying the foundations for a more serious dental malocclusion.
• THE TEETH OF THE JUDGMENT REMAIN INCLUDED, ie stuck in the mandibular / maxillary bone and are not visible to the naked eye. The permanence of these teeth in the maxillaries can predispose to the development of cysts which, in the long run, can favor infections or weaken the bone carrier.
• Wisdom teeth GROW HORIZONTALLY and, pushing on the second molars, cause pain when chewing.The oblique growth of the wisdom teeth favors the deposit of food residues on the gum cracks which, inevitably, are formed: also in this case, the bacteria find the doors open to start an infectious process that results in caries and pulpits.
• Wisdom teeth are SUPERNUMBER: opposite condition to hypodontics, we talk about hyperdontics when there are more than four third molars. Also in this case, the extraction is necessary.
• THE TEETH OF THE JUDGMENT CRASH or break: in similar circumstances, broken or chipped teeth can favor the penetration of bacteria inside them, laying the basis for the formation of dental pulpits and granulomas.

After the extraction of a wisdom tooth