Wisdom teeth are those irritable third molars that usually erupt in a person’s late teens or early twenties. Most of us have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on bottom. However, some people are born with only three, while others have five! According to statistics, a third of us have no wisdom teeth at all. Because our modern diet is much softer than that of our ancient predecessors, humans have no need for the large molars.
If your dentist has advised wisdom tooth removal and you want to know more before agreeing to treatment, you’re in the right place. In today’s blog, we’ll explain important considerations and information you should know before making a treatment decision. We’ll cover:
- Preventive vs. Necessary Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Best Age for Procedure
- Impacted vs. Erupted Third Molars
- Post-Procedure Don’ts
- Post-Procedure Dos
Preventive vs. Necessary Wisdom Tooth Removal
The American Dental Association tells us that if your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, they don’t disrupt your bite, and daily brushing and flossing keep them clean, you don’t need wisdom tooth removal.
However, people who experience these issues might need their third molars extracted to ensure good oral health. If you have one or more of these symptoms, they may be related to wisdom tooth issues and thus warrant a consultation with Dr. Julie Glud:
- Pain
- Impaction
- Repeated Infection
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Bite imbalance
- Teeth crowding
Some dentists will remove wisdom teeth as a preventive measure, upon the patient’s request. While extraction isn’t always necessary, people who want to avoid the potential for wisdom tooth-related problems may opt for wisdom tooth removal.
Best Age for Procedure
Young people heal faster than older people; their bodies are better equipped to recover after a simple or surgical extraction. Studies show that people under age 25 have fewer complications during extraction, as well as recovery. Therefore, dentists recommend that patients undergo wisdom tooth extraction in their late teens or early twenties.
Impacted vs. Erupted Third Molars
An impacted (trapped) wisdom tooth will not erupt. It may try to erupt at an angle, creating pressure against the neighboring second molar. Without surgical intervention, the patient may experience pain, infection, a cyst, and/or damage to the second molar. Impacted wisdom tooth removal requires oral surgery, rather than a simple extraction.
An erupted wisdom tooth may be completely or partially visible. Wisdom teeth often move toward eruption for a period, then stop for months or years before beginning again. To remove an erupted wisdom tooth, the dentist must first examine X-rays and determine where the tooth’s roots are positioned in relation to other teeth and nerves. A simple or surgical extraction will be advised.
Post-Procedure Don’ts
After wisdom tooth removal:
- DO NOT drink through a straw
- DO NOT create pressure by sucking or spitting
- DO NOT smoke
- DO NOT brush or floss until day two
- DO NOT rinse your mouth too vigorously
- DO NOT eat crunchy or hard foods
Post-Procedure Dos
- DO use an ice pack for the first 48 hours
- DO elevate your head
- DO bite down on gauze to staunch bleeding
- DO eat a liquid, then a soft diet
- DO drink lots of water (no straw)
- DO take medication on schedule
- DO brush your teeth gently on day two, but avoid the extraction site
- DO call the dentist if you have severe pain and swelling and/or fever
Schedule Your Consultation Today
As an experienced family dentist, Dr. Julie Glud provides wisdom tooth removal in our comfortable and technologically advanced Lombard, IL, dental office. To schedule a consultation or second-opinion appointment, call us at 630-629-5700.
