Chungmuro Wisdom Teeth: Everything a Dentist Has to Say About Wisdom Teeth

Hello,

I am Jongwoo Lim,

Director of Gwanghwamun The Square Dental Clinic.

Wisdom teeth are present in everyone, but they do not cause the same problems for everyone.

“From why wisdom teeth exist to the standards for managing them,” I have organized the things I most want to tell my patients as a dentist.

Why Humans Still Have Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are, in fact, “traces of evolution.”

During the time when humans had larger jaws and needed to chew tough foods, wisdom teeth were essential.

However, as humans began using fire and cooking their food, their jaws gradually became smaller, leaving less room for teeth to emerge.

Even so, the genes responsible for creating wisdom teeth still remain.

Because they try to grow in jaws with insufficient space, wisdom teeth may emerge tilted or sideways, push against adjacent teeth, or grow within the gums and bone in an “impacted” form.

This is the beginning of wisdom tooth problems today.

Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Be Quiet but Serious

Because impacted wisdom teeth cannot be seen from the outside, patients often do not notice even when problems develop.

Partially impacted wisdom teeth in particular create an environment where bacteria can multiply easily as food becomes trapped in the gaps between the gums. As a result, the gums become swollen and bleed, and bad breath may begin.

Once a wisdom tooth starts to swell, the intervals between episodes become shorter, and the pain becomes more intense.

Eventually, decay or inflammation may spread to the surrounding molars, leading to the unfortunate situation of “having an adjacent molar extracted because of a single wisdom tooth.”

Wisdom Teeth That Must Be Extracted

vs. Wisdom Teeth That Can Be Monitored

It is not always better to extract wisdom teeth, nor is it always safer to leave them in place.

Cases in Which Extraction Is Necessary

● When a wisdom tooth pushes against an adjacent tooth or causes decay

● When inflammation, swelling, or pain recurs

● When a cyst or infection develops around the wisdom tooth

● When it interferes with orthodontic or implant treatment

In these cases, the longer the condition is left untreated, the greater the risk of bone damage and nerve compression.

Cases That Can Be Monitored

● A completely impacted tooth buried deep in the bone with no inflammation in the surrounding area

● A tooth that has emerged above the gums but can be kept clean effectively

Even in these cases, regular X-ray examinations are essential.

Unexpected Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are not simply a “problem involving pain.” If left untreated, they can affect entirely different areas as well.

● Relapse after orthodontic treatment due to disrupted tooth alignment

● Swelling along the jawline caused by the spread of inflammation within the jawbone

● Bone damage caused by a dental cyst

● A cause of bad breath or infection in the mouth

How to Manage a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction may sound like a simple procedure, but care to reduce pain and swelling after the procedure is important.

1. Take a pain reliever in advance before the extraction

Blocking the pain pathway before surgery can significantly reduce pain after surgery.

2. Minimize the incision and shorten the procedure time

Treatment by an experienced practitioner can greatly reduce swelling and recovery time.

3. Take another pain reliever before the anesthesia wears off

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol

When blood flow is disrupted, inflammation may not heal properly, and severe pain such as “dry socket” may occur.

5. Take prescribed medication accurately and on time

If you follow these basic principles, most patients return to their daily activities within 3–5 days.

Everyone has wisdom teeth, but the results are different for each person.

Ultimately, what matters is “knowing the condition of your own wisdom teeth.”

Accurate diagnosis and consistent care are the surest ways to prevent unnecessary pain and regret related to wisdom teeth.

I hope today’s post has helped answer the questions of those who have been curious about wisdom teeth.

Sincerely,

Jongwoo Lim, Director of Gwanghwamun The Square Dental Clinic