Your wisdom teeth are a set of molars that grow at the very back of your mouth in the very later years of your life, generally between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people don’t have room in their mouths for a third set of molars, so the wisdom teeth often need to be removed to prevent overcrowding or shifting of other teeth in the mouth.
Most dentists recommend the removal of wisdom teeth before they begin to erupt from the gums. Some signs that you may have impacted wisdom teeth that are not yet showing include pain and swelling in the gums behind your molars, unpleasant smells coming from the back of your mouth, and an urge to bite down on your tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away so they can assess your situation and recommend treatment if necessary.
When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Most people have their wisdom teeth removed by their late teens or early twenties, but some people need to have their wisdom teeth removed at a younger age. If your wisdom teeth grow in at the wrong angle, they can cause crowding of your other teeth and cause bite and alignment problems. Some people also have jaws that are too small for their teeth. If the tooth erupts incorrectly, it will put pressure on the roots of your other teeth, causing pain and possible infection. Some people also develop cysts on their impacted wisdom teeth that can cause damage to surrounding tissue and bone.
It is important to have your wisdom teeth removed before they have the opportunity to cause damage. However, age isn’t the only reason to have your wisdom teeth removed. Other common reasons include:
- Jaw size
- Difficulty cleaning the tooth
- Crowding of your teeth
- Tooth decay or gum disease around the tooth that has already erupted
- Cyst formation on the tooth
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed. In some cases, the sedation used during the extraction procedure can make the recovery process more comfortable for patients. If you are concerned about how you will feel after the procedure, talk to your dentist about options for pain relief.
A dentist will be able to tell you if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. The best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with our dentist for professional oral health advice. No matter how old you are, you should feel comfortable asking our dentist any questions you may have about your oral care needs.
Are Wisdom Teeth Necessary?
When patients get their third molars, they may wonder if the teeth are really necessary. After all, they take up a lot of space in the mouth and can cause overcrowding and other complications. However, they were necessary to our ancestors’ diets and lifestyles. Our ancestors were hunter-gatherers who needed large jaws to chew through tough foods like raw meats and nuts. Nowadays, most foods don’t require that much chewing. In fact, some people may never develop third molars at all!
Most people do end up with a few of their wisdom teeth, but some patients don’t have room for them in their jaws, making them impacted or “stuck” in the gum line. If this is the case for you, your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent future complications.
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you any immediate problems, it’s best to see them regularly for check-ups to make sure they don’t become a problem in the future.
Are Wisdom Teeth Always Painful to Remove?
No, not if you receive the proper extraction procedure. In fact, many people experience little to no pain at all! Your dentist will apply local anesthesia to the teeth and surrounding gum to help numb the pain. In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure. This helps you avoid stress-related tension in the jaw muscles, which can also contribute to discomfort. This helps the anesthetic work more effectively and minimizes any pain or discomfort you may experience as a result.
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you may notice some swelling or discomfort for the first few days afterward. Over-the-counter medications can help with this, but be sure to monitor your symptoms closely for any complications. If your symptoms persist, contact your dentist right away.
It’s also important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery goes smoothly. This may be as simple as rinsing your mouth with salt water every few hours and avoiding hard foods for the first couple of days. Always follow your physician’s instructions carefully for best results. They’ll also provide you with any other information you may need to keep your smile healthy and clean after wisdom tooth extraction. Have fun eating ice cream and watching your favorite movies after your procedure – you deserve it after all that hard work!
Are There Different Types of Wisdom Teeth Removals?
There are typically two common types of tooth extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions. A simple extraction is conducted on a tooth that is visible in the mouth, usually because there’s not enough tooth structure left above the gum line to support an implant or bridge. A surgical extraction is more complex and is often reserved for teeth that are impacted in the jawbone or for those that have broken off at the gum line. When either of these occurs, surgery is typically required to remove the damaged tissue and bone that is blocking the affected tooth. Surgical extractions are sometimes conducted under oral sedation. Your dentist will discuss your options with you at your appointment.
If you live in the Mesa area, call (480) 461-9944 to schedule your dental exam so we can determine whether you need a wisdom tooth extraction.
