The wisdom teeth are your third molars, which are the last teeth to erupt from your jawbone. They are the last teeth to come in – usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth, while others have up to four wisdom teeth.
What Do Wisdom Teeth Do?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge in a person's mouth. These teeth typically don't grow in until a person reaches their late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth usually grow at an angle that impacts a person's bite. When wisdom teeth grow in only partially, they can become stuck below the gum line. This can cause pain, infection, and other oral health problems.
If a patient's wisdom teeth grow properly, they can still cause oral health problems. The wisdom teeth can crowd the other teeth, causing misalignment of the bite, crooked teeth, and other issues.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Your wisdom teeth are your third molars that usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Because wisdom teeth often become impacted, they can cause pain and infection.
The major reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed are as follows:
- Stay totally hidden within the gums:Wisdom teeth get impacted (stuck) in your jaw if they are unable to erupt properly. This can often lead to infection or even a cyst that harms nearby tooth roots or the bone's support system.
- Partially protrude through the gums:Wisdom teeth that partially emerge are often difficult to clean and hence form a pathway that might attract germs that cause gum disease and oral infections.
- Cause crowding of teeth: Wisdom teeth may crowd or harm neighboring teeth if they don't have enough room to erupt correctly.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The doctor will numb your gums with local anesthesia. Once the gums are numb, your doctor will begin the wisdom teeth extraction procedure. After loosening the tooth, your doctor will remove the tooth. After the tooth has been removed, your doctor will stitch the gums back together.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most patients find that recovering from wisdom teeth removal is easy! You can expect some bleeding and discomfort, which can be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. If your pain is not manageable, your dentist can prescribe a stronger medication.
After your procedure, you may experience some minor pain and swelling. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.
In addition, you should try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Try to eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce. Avoid hard and crunchy foods such as nuts, popcorn, and chips.
To learn about our dental procedures, call Desert Mountain Dental at (520) 324-0100 and schedule an appointment or visit our Tucson dental office.