What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in the back of the mouth. It is ordinarily the case that there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to develop correctly.
When is the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed?
First off, it is essential to have semiannual dental exams. This way, your dentist can identify the right time to remove them.
At Pediatric Dental Center, we often hear patients repeat myths about wisdom teeth. Clearly, the conventional wisdom (no pun intended) concerning these extra molars is cloudy. Let’s clear up the confusion.
Common misconceptions about wisdom teeth:
1. Everyone has to get their wisdom teeth removed.
Some people’s mouths have enough space that the presence of wisdom teeth does not compromise the space necessary for the other teeth to exist and remain healthy.
2. Getting your wisdom teeth removed means your cheeks will be swollen for a long time.
There are new, advanced drugs that help keep swelling under control. Swelling in the face after getting wisdom teeth removed is normal, but should only last two to three days given the appropriate medication.
3. You should consume drinks through a straw following the procedure instead of normal foods because it will be hard to chew.
While it is recommended that you avoid solid or hard foods following getting your wisdom teeth removed, you should not ingest your food through a straw. Drinking through a straw can lead to dry sockets.
4. By looking at an X-ray, your dentist can predict exactly when your wisdom teeth will erupt.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict how quickly wisdom teeth will move or erupt.
5. All wisdom teeth will eventually emerge.
Some never poke through the gums.
6. Dry sockets after wisdom teeth removal are inevitable.
A small percentage of patients develop dry sockets.
What are dry sockets?
A dry socket is a dental condition that can occur within a few days after having an adult tooth removed. A dry socket is when nerves or bone are exposed rather than a blood clot forming over the site of a tooth that was taken out. It can result in great pain and can be treated with painkillers and by flushing out the exposed area.
To recap:
More often than not, wisdom teeth will need to be removed because there is not enough space in the mouth for them to develop normally. Most individuals go under anesthesia to get their wisdom teeth pulled, and do not see any side effects after the procedure beyond swelling and pain for two to three days. However, dry sockets may take place if proper care is not taken following the procedure. Wisdom teeth often erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Some people need their wisdom teeth taken out even if they don’t erupt. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe procedure and there are typically few complications.
Contact Pediatric Dental Center:
859-534-5640
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
5495 N Bend Rd Ste 102
Burlington, Kentucky
41005
