Are You Supposed To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge at the back of your mouth, typically during your late teens or early twenties. While not everyone has to get their wisdom teeth out, it's a common practice that many dentists recommend. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why you might need to get your wisdom teeth out, the risks of keeping them in, and what to expect during the procedure.
Why Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out?
There are several reasons why you might need to get your wisdom teeth out:
- Your mouth is too small to accommodate them, causing overcrowding and misalignment of your other teeth.
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they're trapped beneath your gums and can't emerge properly.
- Your wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, or infection.
- Your dentist has recommended that you get your wisdom teeth out as a preventative measure.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's important to talk to your dentist about getting your wisdom teeth removed.
What are the Risks of Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth In?
If you choose not to get your wisdom teeth out, there are several risks you'll need to be aware of:
- Overcrowding and misalignment of your other teeth, which can lead to bite problems and the need for orthodontic treatment.
- Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In severe cases, they can even lead to cysts or tumors.
- Difficulty cleaning your wisdom teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- If your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can create a flap of gum tissue that can trap food and bacteria, leading to infection and bad breath.
For these reasons, many dentists recommend getting your wisdom teeth out before they cause any problems.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting your wisdom teeth out is a common outpatient procedure that typically takes about an hour. Here's what you can expect:
- You'll receive local anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. In some cases, you may also receive sedation to help you relax.
- Your dentist will make incisions in your gums to access your wisdom teeth, which may involve removing some bone to access them.
- Your dentist will then remove your wisdom teeth and clean the area to prevent infection.
- You'll be given gauze to bite down on to control bleeding, and you may need stitches to close the incisions in your gums.
After the procedure, you'll need to rest for a day or two and avoid strenuous activity. You'll also need to eat soft foods and avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and delay healing.
Conclusion
While not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth out, it's important to talk to your dentist about whether it's necessary for you. Keeping your wisdom teeth in can lead to a range of problems, including overcrowding, infection, and tooth decay. If you do need to get your wisdom teeth out, the procedure is typically straightforward and can help prevent future dental issues.