There are a few things in life that people get excited about hearing.
- “You won the lottery!” Lifechanging!!
- “You’re our 1000th customer. Your dinner is free!” Wonderful!!
- “You need to schedule wisdom teeth removal surgery.” Wait, what? That isn’t good news at all.
Wisdom teeth: the uninvited houseguests in your mouth
Wisdom teeth removal is no one’s idea of a good time. In fact, most people rank it somewhere between uninvited houseguests showing up and getting in a fender bender. Frustrating, unplanned, and sometimes painful. But, while wisdom teeth removal won’t win any popularity contests, it is one of the most common and helpful types of dental procedures.
So let’s talk about these little troublemakers and why removing them can save you from a lot of future dental problems.
What are wisdom teeth, and why do we have them?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in your late teens or early twenties. The timing is why they are named “wisdom” teeth – because apparently society decided that if you’re old enough to grow extra molars, you must be suddenly wise (this is a highly debatable topic).
If you’ve ever seen videos of people after wisdom teeth removal surgery, still under the effects of local anesthesia and crying about applesauce or fighting dragons, you know that “wisdom” is still a work in progress.
But why do we even have wisdom teeth if most people don’t need them? Long ago, wisdom teeth were more useful because humans had larger jaws. Today? Most people’s mouths simply don’t have enough room. It’s like trying to squeeze extra cars into a full parking lot. Too crowded!
Why do wisdom teeth cause so much trouble?
Some people get lucky and don’t have any wisdom teeth, or only 2 of 4 teeth, or they come in and don’t cause any problems at all. Those people probably find matching socks every morning and never spill anything on themselves, either.
For the rest of us, wisdom teeth can cause problems such as:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Impacted teeth
- Teeth crowding or moving
- Infections and cavities
- Difficulty cleaning the area
- Headaches and jaw soreness
- Pain in the back of your jaw
Impacted wisdom teeth (stuck beneath the gums, growing sideways) are very common. This happens because the teeth don’t have enough room to emerge. They stay trapped under the gums like tiny dental gremlins plotting revenge. And unfortunately, they don’t become less dramatic over time.
Why you may not have noticed anything yet
What happens during your wisdom teeth removal?
One of the biggest misconceptions about wisdom teeth is that if they don’t hurt, they must be fine.
Not always.
Some wisdom teeth can start to cause damage before any symptoms show up. They start pushing against your other teeth and can trap bacteria in areas that are nearly impossible to clean, causing infections.
This is another good reason to see your dentist on a regular basis and have X-rays taken. Your dentist will monitor your teeth and see any developing problems long before they cause issues. They will usually start screening your teeth around the age of 16 by taking a Panorex X-Ray.
Sometimes, early wisdom teeth removal can actually make your recovery easier, too, especially with younger people whose roots are not fully developed.
The good news? Modern dentistry has come a long way, and wisdom teeth removal is far more comfortable than its scary reputation suggests.
During your procedure, your dentist will make sure you are comfortable by using local anesthesia, sedation, or other options depending on your needs. Most people will not remember the wisdom teeth removal procedure at all.
Honestly, the hardest part for most people is not being able to eat crunchy, spicy, and hot food for a few days.
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal - Your excuse to eat pudding
Recovery from your wisdom teeth extraction is usually manageable. You will improve greatly in just a day or two.
You may experience mild swelling, soreness, some minor bruising, and temporary difficulty opening your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. Your dental office staff will walk you through everything beforehand so there are no surprises. You will want to stick to soft, easy-to-digest foods for a few days after your surgery. This can include foods such as yogurt, eggs, jello, hummus, warm (not hot) soup, applesauce, cottage cheese, smoothies (no straw), and it is an excuse to eat all the pudding you want!
Why is wisdom teeth removal worth it?
While no one is excited about oral surgery, wisdom teeth extraction can prevent many issues later on. It is a short-term inconvenience that will help you avoid long-term oral complications.
Future-you will be grateful.
Wisdom teeth are like uninvited house guests. Sometimes they show up quietly and behave themselves. Other times, they create chaos, crowd everyone, and refuse to leave easily.
The good news? Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine procedure. Our dental office at Mid Cities Dental will make the process as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Ask questions, understand your options, and remember that thousands of people go through this every year successfully.