Your dentist may have recently recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed. While this might sound intimidating, wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths floating around about this type of extraction. The following are some of the most common wisdom teeth myths and why you should not believe them. 

Do You Believe These Wisdom Teeth Myths?

1. Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Removed

It might seem like everyone you know had their wisdom teeth removed at some point. However, this is far from the truth. Studies show that about 35% of people will have no wisdom teeth at all. And while most people have at least one wisdom tooth, not everyone in this group will need these teeth removed. In some cases, patients who have healthy and aligned wisdom teeth will not require an extraction. Dentists will assess each individual case to determine whether extraction is necessary. 

2. Wisdom Tooth Pain Will Go Away Eventually 

If you do have wisdom teeth, you might experience pain as your teeth grow in. While you might assume that this pain will go away once the teeth are fully developed, this is not necessarily true. Oral pain could be a sign that the teeth are impacted, or unable to emerge from the gums. These teeth could also be putting pressure on existing teeth if they do emerge, causing crowding and discomfort. This is why it’s always important to see your dentist when experiencing any dental pain. 

3. Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Painful

Some patients might avoid wisdom teeth removal because they fear the pain. However, the procedure itself will not be painful. Your dentist will either use a local anesthetic, general anesthesia, or IV sedation to keep you pain-free and comfortable throughout the extraction. While you might feel some pain and discomfort after the procedure, your dentist will give you instructions to control the pain as your mouth heals. 

If you need wisdom teeth removal, the team at Total Health Dentistry will ensure that you are completely informed about the details of your procedure. Dr. Rachel E. Gold is committed to providing quality services to patients in Cold Spring, KY. She offers general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry to support a lifetime of oral health. Dr. Gold and her team will keep you comfortable through any procedure and treat you as an individual. Visit their office online to learn more about their services, or call (859) 441-1230 to schedule an appointment.