Do I Have to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth that come in around the age or 20 years old. While many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed, some don’t. Here are the signs and symptoms that mean removal is your best option and when you might get to keep these teeth.

What are Wisdom Teeth? 

While wisdom teeth don’t actually make you smarter, they were given that name because of their late development. Most people don’t have their wisdom teeth come in until they are around the ages of 17 to 21. These teeth are found in the far back of the mouth, two on top and two on bottom. Your wisdom teeth are molars. These are your toughest, widest teeth that help you chew and grind food down. However, some people may not develop any or all of their wisdom teeth. 

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

For some patients, wisdom teeth grow just fine and cause no problems in the mouth. In these patients, the teeth don’t have to be removed. However, many times, wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly, which can cause problems. When they try to come in without proper room, they can grow at various angles in the jaw and can lead to the wisdom teeth:

• Staying completely below the gums. If they can’t come up above the gums normally, they can become trapped within the jaw. This can lead to infection or cause cysts that can damage other teeth roots or bone structure. 
• Emerging only partially through the gums. Since this area of the mouth is hard to see, wisdom teeth that only partially come out can be hard to clean and become a hot spot for bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum disease, decay, and other infections. 
• Crowding nearby teeth. If these teeth don’t have enough room to come in, they can crowd or damage nearby teeth. This can lead to ruining years of orthodontic work if you had to have it done. 

The Removal Process

If your dentist tells you that your wisdom teeth need to be removed it can feel intimidating and scary. However, learning more about the removal process can help ease your fears and make you feel better about this decision. 

The process begins with a consultation. If it’s shown that your wisdom teeth are impacted or that they are likely to cause you dental health issues in the future, it’ll be recommended that these teeth are removed. 

From there, your removal appointment will be made. A typical removal process includes:

• Receiving sedation so you are comfortable and at ease during your procedure. This could include laughing gas or IV sedation. 
• Numbing. Once you’re sedated, your dentist will begin to numb the wisdom teeth and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic. 
• Tissue removal. Any gum tissue covering the wisdom tooth will be removed to give the dentist clear access to the tooth itself. 
• Bone removal. Depending on how the tooth is sitting, it could be removed fully or partially in a few pieces. When the teeth are visible to the dentist, the dentist will gently loosen them from any connective tissue in the tooth’s socket. 
• Tooth removal. Once the tooth has been loosed or sectioned into pieces, it can be removed. 
• Stitches. As soon as the teeth are removed from your mouth, the dentist will use stitches to close up the area. 

The Recovery Process

Once your procedure is done, you will go home with a fact sheet that tells you how to care for your mouth over the course of the next few days and weeks while your mouth heals. Common tips include:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or drinking through straws for the first couple of days.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours or use an alcohol-based mouthwash.
• Refrain from brushing your teeth next to the extraction site. Use a soft, manual toothbrush. 

While you’ll likely experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding for a couple of days, it doesn’t last too long. However, your mouth won’t fully be healed for about 6 weeks. That said, many people can resume their normal schedules and activities the day after their surgery. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If your wisdom teeth have come in and are causing you pain or trouble, make an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental today to learn whether or not it’s best for your smile to have them removed. Call us today! (303)-872-7907.