If you’ve heard about friends or family members getting wisdom teeth removal, this may have caused you to ask some questions: Do I have wisdom teeth? What are they? Do mine need to be removed? Is it bad if I don’t have them?
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is common, but not always necessary. We will go into more detail about what wisdom teeth are, how they can start causing problems, and what to expect if you do need them removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
If you get wisdom teeth removal, don’t worry – this doesn’t mean that you’re losing wisdom. Also known as your “third molars”, these teeth got their name from the fact that they often appear in the late teens or early twenties. Most people have one to four wisdom teeth, but some have none at all.
Scientists believe that our ancestors used to need wisdom teeth for chewing tougher plants and raw meat, but since developing technology for softer foods, we no longer use them. Since our mouths have become smaller over time, the growth of wisdom teeth actually can crowd our mouths and lead to some problems.
Problems with Wisdom Teeth
About 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, meaning that it has nowhere to grow. This can force the wisdom tooth to grow incorrectly and become what is known as “impacted”. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the following problems:
- Overcrowding
- Mouth Pain
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth
- Nerve Damage
- Swelling
- Jaw Stiffness
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
Because there is a lot of risk and discomfort that can result, wisdom teeth removal is a very common and very safe procedure.
Do I Have Wisdom Teeth?
If you are unsure if you have wisdom teeth or would need a wisdom teeth removal, talk to your dentist. They will be able to check any positioning of the wisdom teeth and use X-rays to periodically check their location. They may refer you to an oral surgeon if they think you may need removal or further evaluation.
Dental professionals, like at Smile Solutions, will be able to provide safe extractions to help prevent further, more painful problems. They will often walk you through the process of what is to be expected, explaining the use of the anesthetic, any sedatives, the removal process, and recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Each wisdom teeth removal procedure will look different per individual case, but a dentist or oral surgeon will follow a general structured process.
- Anesthesia
To help cause the least amount of pain, your dentist will numb the teeth and the surrounding gums before the procedure. Before the surgery, you also may discuss receiving sedatives if you are uncomfortable with being awake or conscious during the procedure. - Cutting
Depending on the positioning and growth of your wisdom teeth, the surgeon may need to cut into the gum or surrounding tissue to expose the tooth and bone. - Removal
Next, your dentist or oral surgeon will begin the wisdom tooth extraction. They may either remove the tooth in one piece, or cut it into sections for easier extraction. - Cleaning
To ensure the wound doesn’t get infected or there isn’t any leftover debris, the surgeon will clean the area by using an antiseptic solution. - Stitching
Depending on the size of the wound, your dentist may stitch the wound closed with dissolvable stitches to ensure it stays shut. - Gauze
Popularly associated with wisdom teeth removal, your dental surgeon will put gauze in the backs of your mouth to control bleeding and help establish a blot clot so the wound can heal properly.
Post-Removal Recovery
Once you have gone through the surgery, you will likely experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You are allowed to take over the counter or prescribed pain medication as directed or apply ice packs to help with the pain. For the first week or two, ensure you are only eating soft foods so you don’t irritate or open the wound. You may also be recommended to rinse your mouth with salt water as an antiseptic mouthwash.
Full recovery may take a few months, so in this time you will want to keep the area clean and have follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that you have the smoothest recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Care
Smile Solutions Dentistry offers a range of dental services, including wisdom teeth care and removal, to ensure you feel your best. We serve the communities of Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown, Texas, providing comprehensive dental care, like dental implants, sinus augmentation, teeth whitening, dental cleaning, fillings, and extractions.
Reach out to us today to ask any questions and let us know how we can help with your wisdom teeth needs.
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