Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop. Yours may show up anywhere between the ages of 17 and 25. They may erupt through the gums or they may not, but they will eventually make their presence known one way or another. 

Does everyone need to have their wisdom teeth removed? Perhaps, but not necessarily. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth and what to expect. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth? 

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that develop at the back of your mouth. You typically get 4 wisdom teeth, 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. They are called wisdom teeth because they tend to form in the later teenage or early adult years, making them associated with a certain level of maturity that is reached by that age. 

Common Problems With Wisdom Teeth 

More often than not, wisdom teeth cause dental and oral health problems for people. Common problems may include: 

• They come in crooked. Wisdom teeth often come in crooked or at the wrong angle. It can be difficult to correct this problem, so extraction is often a better option. 

• They don’t come in at all. Wisdom teeth often get stuck under the gums and don’t come in at all. This can cause a problem if they are stuck under the roots of the other molars or in the jaw bone. 

• They push against the other teeth. Wisdom teeth often push against the back molars, causing damage to the teeth or the roots. They can also cause crowding of the other teeth by pushing them all forward. 

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed? 

Most oral surgeons agree that if the wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, they should not be extracted. There is not necessarily a reason to undergo oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth that are not causing damage or pain. They should be monitored regularly during your routine dental appointments in case problems arise. 

If the wisdom teeth are causing problems such as those listed above, it is in your best interest to have them removed. It is usually better to have them removed sooner rather than later. The older you get, the more difficult it can be to extract the wisdom teeth. 

Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed? 

The term impacted simply means that the teeth are still under the gums. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Some impacted wisdom teeth can remain until they come in or until they begin to cause problems, such as development of a cyst. The term impacted is often misunderstood when it comes to wisdom teeth. 

Why Go To an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Oral surgeons specialize in wisdom teeth extraction, meaning they have the necessary experience, equipment, and anesthesia to make the procedure safe and efficient. Fullerton Oral Surgery provides wisdom teeth evaluation and extraction when necessary. We can assess the current position of your wisdom teeth and make a recommendation for how to proceed. 

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extraction 

What type of anesthesia is used for wisdom teeth extraction? 

The type of anesthesia used for wisdom teeth extraction depends on the situation. Some patients may be able to have their wisdom teeth extracted with just local anesthesia. Others may have more complex situations that call for IV sedation or even general anesthesia in some cases. Your personal comfort is the top priority in this decision. 

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth extraction? 

You may need to rest for the first 24-48 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed. Everyone is different, so your recovery will be specific to your own experience. You should be feeling back to normal in about a week with full healing in about 2 weeks to a month.