Usually, conversations about wisdom teeth revolve around their removal. But what are wisdom teeth, and why do they often require extraction? If you’re curious about the fate of yours, you’re not alone.

Here, the Lorain, OH-based family dentist, C. R. Sfeir, offers insight into this common rite of passage:

• What Are Wisdom Teeth? Most adults have about 32 teeth, but a fair amount of people have only 28—and not through lack of dental care. Those four extra teeth are referred to as “wisdom teeth‚” and patients often need them removed for their own safety. As the last teeth to surface, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop without impacting other teeth. They are known colloquially as “wisdom” teeth because they start growing in when a person comes of age (e.g. the late teenage years). However, some people don’t even grow wisdom teeth in the first place.

• Do Wisdom Teeth Always Require Removal? Not always! If your smile is big enough to accommodate all 32 teeth, safely and painlessly, it may be okay to keep them—ultimately, the decision is up to you. Regardless of their fit, many family dentists will always recommend removing wisdom teeth because of their difficulty to clean.

• What’s It Like To Lose Your Wisdom Teeth? Extraction is typically performed under general anesthesia, and in this situation, you won’t feel a thing. Afterward, be prepared to experience some swelling and discomfort. For the first few weeks following the procedure, stick to soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, and protein shakes. When brushing, give extra attention to the sockets that previously held your wisdom teeth, as they may take a few weeks to close up. Your family dentist may provide you with a dental irrigation syringe you can use to flush out debris. It may sound gross, but it’s actually a little fun—and very necessary!

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth or general dentistry, don’t hesitate to call your family dentist. To reach C. R. Sfeir at their Lorain, OH office, call (440) 960-5200, or send them a message online.