YOUR WISDOM TEETH

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom teeth are the four permanent (adult) teeth at the very back of your mouth on the top and bottom. They are the last permanent teeth to appear. Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in between the ages of 17–21, around the age when a person gains maturity and wisdom. Most other permanent teeth come in a few years earlier, by age 13.

Sometimes wisdom teeth do not have enough room to come in, or they are in the wrong position. They may come in sideways or at a slant, pushing against the teeth next to them (Figure). These wisdom teeth are called “impacted” and may have to be removed so that they don’t cause future problems.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?

Regular dental visits allow your dentist to track the growth and condition of all of your teeth. After doing an oral exam and taking X-rays, your dentist can look at your wisdom teeth and talk to you about whether they should be removed. Wisdom teeth extraction, or removal, may require surgery.

WHY ARE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Your dentist will examine your wisdom teeth and may recommend having them removed so they don’t cause future problems.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH WISDOM TEETH

HOW ARE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

A general dentist can perform wisdom tooth extractions. But, if your dentist sees a need for any special care, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial (max-UH-lo-FAY-shul) surgeon. This is a dentist who specializes in surgery of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, including the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. If your dentist refers you to a specialist, the two will work together to provide you with the best care.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Before Surgery:

After Surgery:

In some cases, there may be complications after treatment. It is possible to get “dry sockets.” Dry sockets can develop when the blood clot that forms over your socket is displaced, leaving bone and nerves exposed. Smoking can increase the risk for complications and delay healing. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to reduce the risk for complications.

Not everyone’s teeth develop on the same schedule. See your dentist regularly so he or she can monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth.

WHAT ABOUT PAIN RELIEF?

Some people think that pain after wisdom teeth removal can only be tackled with prescription medicines. But that’s not true. Studies show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen—both common pain relievers you can buy off the shelf under many brand names—work just as well as prescription medicines without the side effects like the potential for addiction. Talk to your dentist about options for pain relief.

If you use tobacco in any form, it is important to quit. Smoking and vaping can cause problems with your healing process. Ask your dentist or physician for information about ways to quit.

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