If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth pulled, you may be left with quite a few questions about the procedure. Below we will go over the answers to 10 of the top wisdom teeth questions.
1. What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the farthest corners of your mouth. Unlike other teeth, they don’t usually appear until the late teens or early 20s.
2. Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted?
Our ancestors found these teeth helpful when chewing through coarse, leafy greens. Today, our diets don’t need help from these teeth as much. And, what’s more, evolution has reduced the average size of our jaws making it tough for wisdom teeth to fit.
It is worth noting that while many people need the extraction, some people don’t have any issues with wisdom teeth as they come in — and they keep them.
3. What Does it Mean if a Wisdom Tooth is Impacted?
An impacted tooth is stuck in the jaw tissue without the ability to erupt normally. This can happen for many different reasons, such as an overcrowded mouth that lacks the space or a tooth that is coming in at an angle and can’t continue pushing its way through.
4. What Are the Signs a Wisdom Tooth is Impacted?
For most, the signs to look out for when it comes to an impacted wisdom tooth are bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, swelling of the jaw, and discomfort when opening your mouth. Keep in mind that the severity and the symptoms themselves can vary from one patient to the next.
5. How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are extracted by a skilled oral surgeon. Most of the time it is done using local anesthetic for numbing as the tooth is loosened and removed. However, the tooth may need to be cut into pieces to be removed.
6. Will Someone Need to Come With Me to My Extraction Appointment?
Wisdom tooth removal using local anesthetic will not require you to have anyone drive you to your appointment. However, if you use sedation, you may need to have a ride home once your surgery is complete.
7. How Long Does Recovery Take?
On average, you can expect recovery to take about a week. Most patients will begin to feel free from discomfort within the first three days after treatment. Resting and carefully following the aftercare instructions given to you by your oral surgeon can lead to the greatest results.
8. What Can You Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Soft foods, such as eggs, yogurt, pudding, oats, mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies, and so forth are always a great idea for the first day or two. Do not use a straw and stay away from hard, crunchy foods for about a week.
9. What Happens If Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed?
If your dentist has recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed and you don’t do it, you may face oral health issues like gum disease, damaged teeth, and orthodontic concerns.
10. Do Regular Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Some regular dentists include wisdom tooth removal as one of their services. It is important to note that oral surgeons undergo an additional four to six years of postgraduate training that makes them better equipped to handle these often complex extractions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisdom Teeth
Does everyone get wisdom teeth?
No, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. Some people may have all four, others may have less or none at all.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
Wisdom tooth removal is not painful as a local anesthetic is used to numb the area during the procedure. Once the numbness begins to wear off, you may experience some pain and discomfort, as well as some swelling. Your dentist may provide you with a prescription pain reliever or you may try over-the-counter options. Any pain you feel should subside within a few days.
Still Have Questions About Your Wisdom Teeth?
If you still have questions about your wisdom teeth, the specialists at Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center have your answers.
Contact us today at 505-821-2111 to schedule an appointment. Or, request an appointment online.