Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth typically between the ages of 17 to 25. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth were useful for our ancestors who had coarser diets and larger jaws. But over time as our diets became softer and jaw sizes reduced, wisdom teeth have become vestigial structures for most people.
When do wisdom teeth erupt?
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages 17 to 25, which is why they are called wisdom teeth. They emerge later than all other teeth.
| Age range | Event |
|---|---|
| 17-21 years | Eruption of lower wisdom teeth |
| 21-25 years | Eruption of upper wisdom teeth |
Problems with wisdom teeth
Though wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors, they typically cause problems for modern humans due to:
- Lack of space: Our jaws have become smaller over time while wisdom teeth have remained the same size. This causes crowding and crooked teeth.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth become impacted when they erupt partially or remain trapped under the gums. This can cause pain, swelling and infection.
- Cysts or tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or tumors around them.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are hard to reach and clean. So they are prone to cavities and tooth decay.
- Gum disease: Wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
Why Wisdom Teeth Affect Models?
Models rely on having straight, evenly-spaced, white teeth for their work. Here is how wisdom teeth can jeopardize a model’s career:
- Misaligned teeth – Wisdom teeth can emerge at odd angles and push surrounding teeth out of position. This affects a model’s smile.
- Gaps from extracted teeth – Problematic wisdom teeth may have to be pulled later on leaving embarrassing gaps.
- Swollen face – Impactions and infections around wisdom teeth leads to an enlarged, puffy face.
- Damaged smile – Decay, cysts and gum disease associated with wisdom teeth can permanently damage the areas around these teeth.
- Prolonged recovery – Recovering from extraction of impacted or infected wisdom teeth takes longer which means more time away from modeling work.
- Difficulty chewing – Swelling and pain from emerging or infected wisdom teeth also makes it hard to eat properly which can lead to weight loss issues.
Why Models Undergo Early Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
To avoid the above dental problems and career setbacks, professional models tend to undergo wisdom tooth extraction early on:
- Little to no impaction – Extracting wisdom teeth before full eruption decreases chances of impaction.
- Minimal recovery time – Early removal when young means a much quicker and easier post-op recovery period.
- Low risk of complications – Extraction before impaction reduces risks of complications like dry socket infections which can prolong recovery.
- Prevention of future crowding – Taking wisdom teeth out early prevents movement or crowding of existing teeth years later.
- Maintain bright smile – Early removal guarantees models keep their straight, white, perfect smiles throughout their careers.
- Faster return to work – Minimal recovery time means models can return to their modeling jobs quickly after early wisdom tooth extraction.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure Step-by-Step
Here are the detailed steps of the wisdom tooth extraction process:
Pre-Procedure
- Oral exam checking for impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
- Panoramic xrays to view wisdom tooth position.
- Lab tests to check for issues like anemia before surgery.
Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia to numb extraction site.
- IV sedation to induce total relaxation.
- General anesthesia causes unconsciousness.
Tooth Exposure
- Cheek retractor inserted to expose site.
- Incision made in gum to reveal impacted teeth.
- Bone or tooth may be removed with drill.
Extraction
- Tooth is loosened from socket with instruments.
- Dentist uses forceps to rock tooth and extract it.
- Tooth may be cut and removed in fragments if needed.
Cleaning Site
- Debridement done to remove debris from socket.
- Stitches placed to close surgical site.
- Rinse prescribed to keep area clean.
Follow Up
- Rest at home, use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Take medications to control pain.
- See dentist for postoperative checkup.
Recovery Timeline After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can take weeks. Here is the general timeline:
Days 1-3
- Swelling and pain peaks.
- Take medications as advised.
- Apply ice packs to minimize swelling.
- Eat only soft foods like yogurt.
Days 3-7
- Swelling and pain starts improving.
- Bruising around surgery site may occur.
- Introduce soft solid foods like pasta.
Weeks 2-3
- Return to normal routine.
- Swelling and pain continue to decrease.
- Still avoid very hard or crunchy foods that could dislodge clots.
Weeks 4-6
- Healing is complete.
- Stiffness and soreness should be resolved.
- Okay to resume normal diet.
See your dentist immediately if you have heavy bleeding, fever or intolerable pain.
Conclusion: Why Models Remove Wisdom Teeth Early
In summary, models tend to prophylactically extract wisdom teeth earlier on to:
- Prevent impaction and misalignment that can damage their smiles
- Reduce recovery time for quicker return to modeling jobs
- Maintain their straight, bright, healthy smiles throughout their careers
- Minimize risk of complications from wisdom teeth surgery later on
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the best age to remove wisdom teeth?
A: The best age is late teens or early 20s before wisdom teeth are fully erupted or impacted. This reduces complications.
Q: Are wisdom teeth removal necessary?
A: Wisdom teeth removal is not compulsory. But it is advisable to remove problematic wisdom teeth or even healthy ones prophylactically.
Q: Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
A: There may be some pain and discomfort during and after the procedure but anesthesia helps control this. Take medications as advised.
Q: Can wisdom teeth be left alone?
A: Wisdom teeth may be left alone if they erupt properly and there are no problems. But most dentists recommend early removal.
Q: How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
A: Recovery can take 3-6 weeks depending on severity. Initial few days have most pain and swelling. It keeps improving.
