Third molars, or so-called wisdom teeth, often get a bad rap. That’s probably because people talk about them mostly in the context of people getting them removed. For many patients, wisdom tooth extraction is the only surgical dental procedure they have ever experienced.
But wisdom teeth themselves aren’t necessarily bad. In fact for some patients, they’re just like other teeth. So what’s the big deal with wisdom teeth anyway? And, why do so many people have them extracted? Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions we hear about this infamous set of teeth.
Third molars are often called wisdom teeth because they tend to emerge in your “wiser” years—that is between 17 and 21 years of age. Most people have just four wisdom teeth, one on either side of the upper and lower jaw. Others have fewer. One study estimates that between 5 and 37 percent of people have three or fewer wisdom teeth. Still other patients have a double set, or eight total wisdom teeth!
While we don’t know exactly why this extra set of teeth exists, some people think wisdom teeth are like the body’s insurance policy. In days when modern dental care didn’t exist, these third molars might have served as backup teeth. Our ancestors probably relied more on their back teeth for eating. But today, the average diet doesn’t contain lots of hard, crunchy foods.
All this to say, wisdom teeth no longer serve an important purpose. Kind of like an appendix, you’ll be just fine without them. In fact, removing wisdom teeth often offers more benefits than risks.
Most people’s mouths have just enough room for 28 adult teeth. So, when wisdom teeth arrive, there’s often no space left for them to go. If they do poke through the gums, wisdom teeth can sometimes crowd existing teeth, leading to pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and/or misalignment.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. This extra pressure can create pain in the jaw and other problems. If the teeth do break through the gums, impacted wisdom teeth often come in at odd angles, making it difficult to clean and floss properly.
Pain, infection, decay, and damage—or preventing those—are all good reasons to undergo wisdom tooth removal. Your dentist may recommend a wait-and-see approach, if your teeth haven’t come in yet, or advocate for a more proactive, surgical plan to avoid any short- or long-term issues.
We offer wisdom teeth extractions right here in our beautiful Williamsburg office. Alternatively, depending on your preference and the position of your teeth, your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon instead.
The entire procedure usually requires no more than an hour or so, depending on the number of teeth you’ll have removed. After the extraction, your dentist or surgeon will stitch your gums closed. Unlike other types of stitches, these will dissolve in a few days and won’t need to be removed. Your dentist may also give you a few gauze pads to keep the area clean and dry.
Patience is the best medicine when it comes to recovery. You’ll probably notice some pain and swelling in the first few days after the procedure, but these can usually be managed with ice packs and medication. Follow your doctor’s recommendation
Be sure to avoid anything that can irritate your sensitive tissue. Stick to soft foods, like applesauce or rice, for the first several days. Also, drink plenty of fluids as these can speed up recovery. You’ll want to avoid drinking through a straw as the pressure can loosen the clots at your surgical site.
For most people, healing from wisdom tooth extraction is uneventful, if a little uncomfortable. Complications are rare but they can be serious if they’re not addressed. If you suspect you have developed a dry socket, a painful condition that sometimes occurs after a tooth extraction, or if you notice signs of a fever or infection, call your dentist as soon as possible.
Questions about wisdom teeth removal? Let us know. As always, we’re happy to review all your options and find the best treatment path for you. Call our office or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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