Most patients are advised to have their wisdom teeth taken out by their dentists. Although wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, many people have questions about its necessity. Follow this guide to learn more about the process. 

4 Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the teeth located in the back of the mouth. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people get two wisdom teeth on the bottom of the mouth and two on the top. However, some people get fewer, more, or none.

When do they need to be removed?

If your wisdom teeth grow in properly and don’t cause any problems, they’ll never need to be removed. However, because human jaws have gotten smaller over time, they’re often not big enough to accommodate wisdom teeth. In that case, the teeth may get impacted, or trapped under the gums, which increases the risk of infections and cysts that may damage nearby teeth.

They also might emerge partially, creating a pocket that attracts bacteria and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If they emerge fully but lack room in the mouth, they may crowd nearby teeth. 

If your dentist or oral surgeon identifies any of these issues, or if you experience pain where a wisdom tooth is forming, you should consider removal. Because younger patients typically recover from the procedure more quickly, some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems.

How do I recover after the procedure? 

Follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions for aftercare. They’ll typically prescribe pain medication, which you should take as instructed. You can also apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.

Don’t brush your teeth or gargle for the first 24 hours. Only eat soft, cool foods like apple sauce, beans, and pasta for a few days. Also, refrain from exercising or smoking for a few days.

What is a dry socket?

A socket is a hole in the bone where a tooth was removed. To protect the bone and nerves, a blood clot forms in the socket after tooth removal. This blood clot may dissolve or get dislodged in the first few days after the procedure, exposing the bone and nerves to food, air, and fluid and increasing the risk of infection.

Common symptoms of a dry socket include bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and pain that doesn’t go away with medication. If you think you have a dry socket, contact your dentist or oral surgeon. 

Think you might need wisdom teeth removal? Turn to Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. Board-certified Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway will make your procedure as stress-free as possible. Learn more about their services online, and call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.