Wisdom Teeth 101: How Removal Works and When It’s Time to Consider It

Though the name may seem to imply otherwise, and we hate to burst your bubble, your wisdom teeth don’t make you smarter. The name can make you scratch your head with curiosity, though, because why are they called that? Most people get their wisdom teeth in their late teens and early twenties. And theoretically, it’s around this time that we gain much of the wisdom that we do in life.

Be all that as it may, how can something that sounds so smart actually be so painful? It’s a perplexing question, but we have the answers. In this article, we’ll explain why you have wisdom teeth, the problems they cause, and when you might be feeling the indicators that it’s time to have them removed.

Why We Have Wisdom Teeth

So, why do we have wisdom teeth? And why would our bodies create teeth that result in nothing but pain and discomfort? Research suggests that our wisdom teeth are remnants of our ancient ancestors. Way back when, these people needed super strong molars to chew raw meat, as well as roots, nuts, and leaves.

Over time, as skills evolved and food choices evolved along with it, we no longer needed these teeth. And today, the result is simply overcrowding, which is the source of that pain you might be experiencing.

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

The reality is that the majority of us have wisdom teeth. Only an estimated 5% to 37% do not. So, the chances are that you fall in the population that does. And, if you have them, you probably know it. Wisdom teeth just aren’t that sneaky.

These teeth make their presence known through various uncomfortable symptoms. Because these teeth come in last, after all your other teeth and are left with little room, they create issues that impact not just your comfort but your oral health too.

Some problems may come on more gradually than others. Here are the most common problems that we see in our patients with wisdom teeth.

• Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
• Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
• Gum swelling or tenderness around teeth that only partially come in
• Infections or fluid-filled sacs that form near the tooth
• Impacted teeth that stay trapped beneath the gums or jawbone

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Have you ever had a toothache in a tooth other than your wisdom teeth? If so, you know how lingering it can be. Toothaches are no joke. They can keep us from getting the rest we need, impact our focus at work and school, and make us not so pleasant to be around.

But a bad mood from a toothache caused by wisdom teeth is not enough to justify tooth extraction. On the other hand, the following concerns are.

• Persistent soreness that does not ease with time
• Swelling near the gums or along the jaw
• Trouble brushing or flossing the area fully
• Repeated infections or irritation around the same tooth
• A dentist recommendation based on X-rays showing limited space or impaction

How the Removal Process Works

Dentists and oral surgeons remove wisdom teeth every day. It’s a common procedure, and we estimate that somewhere between 80 – 90% of those with wisdom teeth will need them extracted at some point in their lives. If you fall into this category, you likely want to know how the whole process works.

Here’s an overview of what wisdom tooth removal in Mystic, CT, looks like.

• An initial evaluation with X-rays to check tooth position, root shape, and nearby structures
• A review of the plan, so you know which teeth are being removed and why
• The removal itself, which may involve loosening the tooth or sectioning it before taking it out
• Sedation-free or sedated care based on comfort level, anxiety, and how complex the extraction is
• A typical procedure time of about 45 to 90 minutes to remove up to four impacted wisdom teeth, with a total visit time of roughly two hours from start to finish

Recovery Basics

Though wisdom tooth extraction is by no means considered major surgery, your body (and mouth, specifically) will need some time to recover. Here is what we often suggest to our patients so they can plan their wisdom tooth removal recovery accordingly.

• Days one and two are usually the most uncomfortable, with swelling, light bleeding, and soreness being common. Rest and limited activity are strongly recommended.
• Days three and four often bring visible improvement as swelling peaks and begins to go down. Many people feel ready to return to work or light daily routines.
• Days seven through ten are when most discomfort fades. If stitches were placed, they often dissolve on their own or are removed around this time.
• Weeks two through six allow the extraction sites to heal fully, though the jawbone itself may take a few months to close in completely.

Though we’ll walk you through all of this as part of your post-op instructions, here are a few things not to do as you recover.

• Smoke or use chewing tobacco
• Drink through a straw (this can disrupt the clot)
• Poke the extraction site with your finger, tongue, or other objects

Schedule your wisdom tooth removal consultation with Flanagan Dental.

If you need your wisdom teeth removed, know that it is a simple procedure, and we help patients through it each and every day. Whether we take a sedation-free approach or you need general anesthesia, we’ll make sure you get the best care possible.

Contact us today to learn more about our approach to general dentistry and how we can help stop your wisdom tooth pain and get you smiling again.