Wisdom teeth removal

A wisdom tooth can erupt into the correct position and begin participating in the chewing function by biting against its upper opponent. Unfortunately, such patients are in the minority! Usually, the wisdom tooth sits in the bone in an incorrect position. Most often, the lower wisdom tooth is tilted forward (mesially) and during root formation begins to press against the tooth in front of it — tooth number seven. This pressure starts to dissolve the back part of the seventh tooth, creating a very deep cavity. Dentists call this phenomenon resorption. Unfortunately, even after the wisdom tooth is removed, it is not always possible to treat this cavity by filling it, and the tooth has to be extracted. As a result, a healthy tooth in front can be lost because of the wisdom tooth! This is precisely why dentists recommend having a panoramic X-ray taken at age 18, in order to assess all risks and possible scenarios in advance. Wisdom teeth can be removed as early as age 18. In girls, the lower jaw typically develops until age 16, while in boys until age 18. In Estonia, the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) covers this procedure until the age of 19. We encourage all young patients to take care of their health and prevent the unpleasant consequences of improperly erupting wisdom teeth.