Wisdom teeth can be a bit of a mystery, many people pay little to no attention to their existence until they run into some kind of trouble with them. Whether you’re thinking about getting your wisdom teeth removed due to discomfort or you’re simply looking to learn more about what they are and who has them, this information is going to be helpful for you…

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

Many people will have a full set of four wisdom teeth, some might only have two, others, none at all. There is no predetermined means of deciphering who will and won’t have wisdom teeth, they simply emerge somewhere between your teens and your early adulthood. This set of molars which can appear at the back of your mouth can grow through harmlessly and they can cause a set of challenges which will be a problem for people down the line. Some people get their wisdom teeth earlier in their teens, others later in life, there is no scientific formula to determine the when and the why of your back molars. 

What is the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth?  

There is no known purpose of wisdom teeth. Whether you have them or not usually comes down to genetics, for example if one of your parents doesn’t have wisdom teeth then you are likely to be missing them also. Some other factors are thought to influence whether you develop these back molars or not, these determinants include lifestyle, diet and chewing function. Sometimes people do have wisdom teeth however they just do not see them or they have not erupted yet, a dental X-ray will identify whether you do in fact have wisdom teeth or not.

What is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

If you do have wisdom teeth you might feel the need to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction, or your dentist might recommend it for you. Wisdom tooth removal can either be performed under surgery or in the dental chair, again your professional provider will work with you to ensure that you are choosing the best option for your condition. Removals performed in the dental chair often take less time, whilst surgery is a more invasive option. Surgery can be necessary if there are complications or difficulties surrounding your wisdom teeth. 

When Should they be Removed? 

A wisdom tooth can grow through the gums and cause a significant amount of pain or discomfort during this process. Sometimes, there actually isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate for these new molars, and this can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be incredibly painful and can cause damage to your teeth and mouth as a whole. In the case of pain, discomfort or impacted teeth, wisdom molars must be removed.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?  

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a significant undertaking, whether you choose to have it done in the chair or at a day surgery. You’ll have to ensure that you have ample recovery time, minimum three to five days, in order to bounce back as best you can post removal. You’ll need plenty of time to rest, recover and care for yourself in the necessary way possible. You will likely be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to help you on your way. Apply ice packs, eating soft foods and avoiding drinking through straws are all also recommended for safe and fast healing.

How Do I Get Started?  

Book in with your dentist for a check up and clean to discuss your options for wisdom teeth removal. Remember that a healthy smile is always essential, so focus on upkeep before you head into your extraction to get the best results possible.