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Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
Why You Cant Overlook the Necessity of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Explanation of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, sneak their way into your mouth as the final members of your dental lineup, usually popping up between the ages of 17 and 25. Back when our ancestors were gnawing on leaves and fibrous shoots, these teeth were as essential as your favorite kitchen gadget. But, as we've traded in roots and shoots for burgers and potatoes, wisdom teeth have kind of turned into the appendix of the mouth — not exactly necessary. With less demand for those chompers and not much room to grow, trouble tends to brew (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth decide to join the party without an invitation, they can cause a fair share of headaches. These gatecrashers often stir up problems like:
- Pain: Trying to bust into an overcrowded mouth results in some serious aches, turning the jaw into a hotspot of irritation.
- Infection: If they only half-show-up, they create a nifty little pocket in the gums. This pocket becomes a perfect home for leftovers and bacteria, inviting infections to crash as well.
- Tooth Decay: The awkward location of wisdom teeth makes them tricky to brush, turning them into a playground for cavities and rot.
- Gum Disease: Bacterial gangs hang around the half-surfaced teeth, putting the gums in jeopardy.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Instead of playing nice with their neighbors, misfit wisdom teeth might crowd up the scene and nudge others out of position.
| Issue | Cause |
|---|---|
| Pain | Lack of space for burgeoning teeth |
| Infection | Food and bacteria trapped under gum sliver |
| Tooth Decay | Challenges in cleaning wisdom teeth |
| Gum Disease | Bacterial buildup around partially visible teeth |
| Adjacent Teeth Damage | Cramming and misalignment from errant wisdom teeth |
For a whole lot more about symptoms, check out can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain and why do wisdom teeth get infected.
The usual fix to these gnarly situations is to show the guilty wisdom teeth the door. For anyone looking to dig deeper into why playing dentist is sometimes necessary, we’ve got you covered with why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Importance of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Necessity of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, those third molars lurking at the back, love to stir up trouble when there's no room for them to grow or when they decide to twist and turn. We're talking pain, nasty infections, tooth decay, gum gunk, and even bullying their neighboring teeth (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). So, kicking these bad boys out of your mouth becomes crucial, especially for folks aged 17-35, where the wisdom tooth party starts to get out of hand (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
| Reason for Removal | Description |
|---|---|
| Tight Squeeze | Most mouths don't accommodate extra molars, leading to crowding and discomfort. |
| Crazy Angles | Wisdom teeth can emerge wonky, damaging nearby teeth and gums. |
| Infection Alley | Halfway-out wisdom teeth are open invitations for bacteria to crash the party. |
| Cavity City | Areas around wisdom teeth are hard to clean, upping cavity risks. |
People often find themselves googling symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth or what happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Saying goodbye to wisdom teeth brings about a whole load of benefits for your mouth's health and general peace of mind. Let's break it down:
Pain Nixes
Chucking out those wisdom teeth can husshh away the gum-breaking pressure pain and related jawaches. You'll be doing your aching head and nerves a favor.
Dodging Oral Infections
Without those pesky teeth, your mouth's risk of infections—like pericoronitis, the gum tissue party crasher—dips dramatically. It's especially nice for folks who can't be dealing with mouth drama during their hectic lives.
Prevent Burnt Cash on Health
Dentists often give the thumbs-up for a little tooth eviction as a future-proofing move, especially if braces or other teeth tricks are in the plan (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). It keeps your bite tidy and hygiene cracking.
Faster Heals for Young Guns
Yanking wisdom teeth young (17-25 years), when the roots are barely finding their feet, means quicker healing and fewer troublemakers later (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Youngsters bounce back faster thanks to their body's spunk.
For those curious about timing, peek at our piece on when should wisdom teeth be removed.
| Age Group | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Teens (17-25) | Zooms by due to less gnarly roots and fewer headaches |
| Adults (25-35) | Slows down with deeper roots and more hiccups |
Understanding the perks and reasons for wisdom teeth removal can help folks decide smarter. If curiosity stirs, check out why wisdom teeth removal is necessary and how painful is wisdom teeth removal.
Procedure of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal might not be everyone's idea of a great afternoon, but it's often essential to dodge future dental disasters triggered by those sneaky extra molars. Here, we'll talk you through the actual nitty-gritty of the surgery itself and break down the various ways they keep you comfy and calm during the process.
Surgical Process Involved
Let's be straight: pulling out wisdom teeth is no picnic. But dentists have this routine nailed down. Here's how they do it, without getting all Dexter on you:
- Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon makes a neat slice in the gums to let the tooth and bone see the light of day.
- Bone Removal: Any bone in the way of getting to the tooth root is gently removed. Don't want anything playing hard to get, after all.
- Sectioning the Tooth: Sometimes it's easier to make an escape plan by turning the tooth into jigsaw pieces first.
- Extraction: Out with the tooth—whether in one piece or a puzzle—getting yanked from the socket.
- Suturing: A bit of stitching makes sure everything heals nicely and stays infection-free.
Following these steps helps keep things straightforward, especially when those pesky teeth refuse to come out without a fuss. Want more prep tips before the big day? Check out our guide on prepping for wisdom teeth removal.
Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Most folks would prefer not feeling anything resembling pain during all this, right? Depending on how big of a deal your teeth are, and how much of a fraidy-cat you claim to be, there are a few ways to numb you up or zone you out (Dr. Wisdom Teeth):
| Anesthesia Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Local Anesthesia | This one's like a magic invisibility cloak for pain. Chips away at the feeling around the tooth but keeps you wide awake. |
| IV Sedation | It's like getting comfy in a hammock. You're aware, but it all feels like a mellow dream—no cringe-worthy memories later. |
| General Anesthesia | Think of it as a mini-vacation from consciousness. For trickier cases when it's best to clock out altogether. |
Picking your anesthesia is like choosing your level in a video game—depends on your nerves, the dentist's read on the situation, and how brave you want to seem. If you're curious about what goes down before your appointment, take a peek at our section on what to expect pre-surgery.
And if you're not quite convinced that saying sayonara to those wisdom teeth is worth it, we have another scoop on why getting rid of them benefits you in the long haul. Stay ahead in the dental game!
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Post-Operative Recovery Period
Getting those stubborn wisdom teeth out usually sets you back for about a week. It's all about acting like a boss in following directions from your oral magician—er, surgeon. Following what they say can mean the difference between a breeze and a bumpy ride. Here's a peek at what to expect during this time:
| Day | Recovery Stage |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Look out for swelling and bleeding—it's chill. Ice packs are your buddies. |
| 3-4 | Swelling chills out, but you might still feel a bit sore. Warm compresses become your new friends. |
| 5-7 | Swelling's almost gone, and the pain is mostly manageable. Time to slowly welcome solid foods back into your life. |
| 7+ | Healing's in the fast lane, get back to living but keep it cool. |
Tips for Smooth Recovery
Here's how you can make getting back to your usual self less of a headache:
- Follow Prescribed Medication: Stick to your meds like peanut butter to jelly. It'll dial down the 'ouch' moments and keep things from puffing up.
- Apply Ice Packs: Your cheeks deserve some ice pack love. Go for 20 minutes on, take a breather, repeat. It's all about the first two days!
- Maintain a Soft Diet: Get cozy with mushy food. Think yogurts, soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Go back to solid treats when you're ready.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep the water flowing, but skip the straw action. We don’t want any dry socket drama!
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: A gentle saltwater rinse is your new pal for keeping things clean. Just don't swish or spit like you're mouthwash ad star.
- Get Plenty of Rest: Nap like it's your full-time job. Stay away from heavy lifting, and prop up your head to help with swelling.
For more down-to-earth advice on bouncing back, scope out our tips on post-op recovery plans and getting prepped before the big day.
Stick to these hacks and your oral surgeon's script, and you'll be back on your feet before you know it. Got more questions about those wisdom teeth woes? Dive into our pieces on why ditching them is a smart move, what's up with impacted wisdom teeth, and are those teeth the reason your jaw's mad at you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
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