In this blog post, we will examine the reasons why wisdom teeth are particularly painful and why extraction is inevitable from an evolutionary perspective and through the medical process.
In the Korean novel Obaltan, there is a scene where the main character, Cheol-ho, suffers from toothache due to wisdom teeth on both sides of his mouth. This toothache goes beyond mere physical pain and serves as an important element symbolizing Cheol-ho’s inner conflict and social injustice. At the end of the novel, Cheol-ho finally has his two wisdom teeth extracted and takes a taxi, ending the story. This scene is a moment when Cheol-ho’s pain is temporarily relieved, but at the same time, it also hints at the hardships he will continue to face in his life.
Let’s think about what wisdom teeth are, why they cause toothaches, and how they are extracted. Wisdom teeth are molars that grow between the ages of 17 and 25. They are also called third molars, and are called wisdom teeth because they “grow when you first experience love” or “growing wisdom teeth is as painful as falling in love for the first time.” In modern society, many people have their wisdom teeth extracted because they are not very useful, and the pain and discomfort they cause can sometimes be severe. So why do we have these useless and painful wisdom teeth?
To understand this, we need to look at the evolutionary side of humanity. Ancient humans mainly ate raw food, which was much rougher than modern food, so their jaws and teeth were more developed. However, as time passed, the food humans ate became softer and softer, and as a result, the size of the jaw decreased. In modern times, the aesthetic aspect of the jaw has become so important that concepts such as the “V-line” have emerged, but the jawbone and teeth did not evolve in perfect harmony. As a result, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, and they continue to grow even after the jawbone has shrunk.
Problems often arise during the eruption of wisdom teeth. Due to narrow gums, teeth may grow in abnormal directions or become impacted, unable to emerge from the gums. In such cases, wisdom teeth cannot function properly and may cause cavities or inflammation, so extraction is recommended. If wisdom teeth are positioned normally and function properly, it is best to keep them, but in many cases, this is not possible and extraction is necessary.
There are two main types of wisdom tooth extraction. One is when the wisdom tooth is in its normal position, and the other is when it is not. Wisdom teeth that are in their normal position can be used like molars, but those that are not may become impacted or cause inflammation, making extraction essential.
So, how is wisdom tooth extraction performed? The wisdom tooth extraction process begins with taking antibiotics one hour before treatment. This is a measure to minimize the possibility of infection. Immediately before extraction, the mouth is rinsed with an oral disinfectant, also to prevent infection from bacteria. Next, a local anesthetic is administered to the gums to reduce pain. The local anesthetic blocks the nerve endings in the tooth, helping the patient feel no pain during the extraction process.
If the wisdom tooth is in a normal position, the extraction is relatively simple. The tooth is removed using medical instruments designed for tooth extraction. However, if the wisdom tooth is not properly positioned, i.e., if it is impacted, the extraction process becomes much more complicated. In this case, the gum is incised to expose the tooth, and if necessary, the tooth is divided into several pieces for extraction. After extraction, the gum is sutured and gauze is placed in the mouth to stop bleeding.
Care after wisdom tooth extraction is also important. After extraction, the extraction site must be well cared for to prevent inflammation. A blood clot will form at the extraction site, which is helpful for quick recovery and infection prevention, so it is best not to remove or touch it. Avoid strenuous exercise for two days after extraction to prevent rebleeding, and refrain from any activities that may irritate the extraction site. It is also important to apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Ultimately, wisdom tooth extraction is only effective when supported by thorough care. Neglecting post-extraction care can cause inflammation to recur and lead to more serious problems. As the saying goes, “A small leak in the wall makes a great flood,” small problems can turn into big problems if left unattended, so it is recommended to visit the dentist immediately if you experience any abnormalities after extraction.
As such, the scene of Cheol-ho’s wisdom tooth extraction in the novel Obaltan has a symbolic meaning that goes beyond simple physical healing. The temporary sense of liberation gained from having his tooth pulled implies that the pain in his life will not disappear, suggesting that, just like the thorough care required after wisdom tooth extraction, Cheol-ho also needs a way to resolve his inner conflict.
