What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Most people deal with wisdom teeth at some point, but they can also bring a lot of questions and uncertainty. Learn more about what wisdom teeth are, why they tend to cause problems, when they usually appear, and what to expect if you need yours removed below.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that usually appear in the back of the mouth. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they tend to appear when you’re older and supposedly a little wiser than you were as a kid.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none. They’re shaped like other molars and are meant to help grind food, but for many people today, they’re more of a dental nuisance than a necessity.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but the timing can be different for everyone. Some people get them earlier, while others might not see them until their late twenties, or as mentioned above, sometimes not at all.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Erupt?
Several factors can affect when and how wisdom teeth come in. For instance, genetics play a role, so if your parents had theirs show up late, you might follow in their footsteps.
Jaw size is another important factor. Human jaws have evolved to be smaller over time, so there’s often not enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a pretty standard dental procedure. While some people never have issues, others end up facing problems that make removal the best option. Here are a few of the most common reasons why dentists recommend taking them out:
- Crowding of Teeth
- Impaction
- Infection Risk
- Cysts and Tumors
When wisdom teeth start to come in, they can push against your other teeth, causing crowding or shifting, especially if there isn’t enough room in your mouth; this can lead to bite problems and make it harder to keep your teeth clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum issues.
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they’re trapped beneath the gums and unable to erupt fully. If left untreated, impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, or even infections. In many cases, they need to be surgically removed to prevent further complications.
If your wisdom teeth only partially break through the gums or don’t come in, they could leave gaps or pockets where bacteria can thrive; this makes it easier for infections or gum disease to develop, which can be painful and hard to treat.
In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the formation of a cyst or, less commonly, a tumor. These growths can damage the surrounding bone or nearby teeth and may require more extensive treatment if not addressed early on.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
It depends on the situation. For some people, it’s a fast, simple process that takes about 30 minutes. For others, it can take closer to an hour, especially if all four teeth are being removed or if the teeth are impacted.
It also depends on whether your dentist or oral surgeon uses local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. More complex cases, like deeply impacted teeth or surgical extractions, naturally take longer. But overall, most procedures are relatively quick and routine.
How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Take to Heal?
While everyone’s healing process looks a little different, most people start to feel back to normal within a week to ten days. The first few days are usually the most uncomfortable, with some swelling, soreness, and general tenderness around the extraction sites. Pain medication can help manage that, and rest is definitely the most important thing during this time.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat?
After wisdom teeth removal, you should give your mouth some time to heal before jumping back into your regular diet. Most dentists suggest sticking to soft foods and liquids for at least the first 24 hours. After that, you can slowly start adding in more solid foods, depending on how you’re feeling.
For a few weeks, try to avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky since these can irritate the healing area or even cause complications.
What Can You Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
As mentioned, you’ll need to be careful with what you eat after having your wisdom teeth removed. Soft, easy-to-chew foods (mashed potatoes, applesauce, pudding, etc.) are your best bet initially. Smoothies and soups are also great options for getting some nutrients in without chewing.
Check out our blog post on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal for more detailed recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are Wisdom Teeth Located?
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, with one tooth in each quadrant: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right.
Are Wisdom Teeth Molars?
Yes, wisdom teeth are classified as molars. They’re the last set of molars to develop in the mouth.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Studies suggest that approximately 25-35% of the population may not have any wisdom teeth.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt?
The removal itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, it’s normal to have some swelling and soreness, but that usually fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication or prescriptions can help keep you comfortable during recovery.
Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?
Once your wisdom teeth are taken out, they won’t grow back. In very rare cases, some people might develop additional tooth buds later, which could require further extraction. But for most, removal is one-and-done.
Have Questions? Our Point Pleasant Dentist Can Answer Them
Whether you’re worried about your wisdom teeth or have questions about having them removed, Coastal Dental Group is here for you. Whatever the situation, our experienced team will ensure you get the treatment that fits your needs.
Call 732-714-1030 or contact us today to schedule an appointment!
About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!