Most people have their wisdom teeth removed. The fact that it’s so common and that it usually takes place in the late teens or early twenties has made it almost a rite of passage. The third molars, or wisdom teeth as they are commonly called, tend to be too large to fit properly in the jaw. This can lead to a variety of oral health problems, which is why it is important to time wisdom teeth removal properly.
If you have a teenager or if you still have your own wisdom teeth in place, you may be wondering how to know when it's time to have them removed. Here are 7 common signs that you need to schedule wisdom teeth removal in Manchester, NH.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of permanent teeth to form. When there is room, they tend to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. However, in many cases there is not room for them to come in properly. They often come in crooked or remain stuck below the gums (impacted).
As human jaws have evolved and changed over thousands of years, the wisdom teeth are no longer needed for effective chewing. There is rarely enough space for these large molars to remain in the mouth, which is why most oral surgeons recommend extraction.
7 Signs it’s Time to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
- Persistent Pain or Discomfort. If you have pain in your jaw near the back of your mouth or in the sides of your face, it may be due to wisdom teeth. Pain can be dull or sharp, and it may be persistent or come and go.
- Infection of the Gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, resulting in inflammation and swollen gum tissue. If you notice swelling or redness near the back of your jaw, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth checked.
- Difficulty Chewing. Pain caused by wisdom teeth can make it difficult to chew or to open your mouth wide enough to bite into food.
- Crowding or Shifting Teeth. Wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth and impact the proper positioning of teeth in your mouth. This can cause orthodontic problems that may require braces or surgery to correct.
- Cysts. In some cases, the sac of tissue (follicle) that forms the wisdom teeth can fill with fluid, becoming enlarged. This can further negatively affect the proper positioning of your wisdom teeth and may damage adjacent teeth in your jaw as well.
- Cavities. Wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth, trapping food and bacteria, causing cavities to form not only in your wisdom teeth but in adjacent teeth as well.
- Advice from Your Dentist. Your dentist typically takes yearly x-rays of your mouth, through which they may detect existing or potential problems with your wisdom teeth and recommend that you have them removed.
Why Timing Matters
There are benefits to having your wisdom teeth removed earlier rather than later. Having them removed before the roots fully form can make the process easier and less invasive. On the other hand, waiting too long can lead to a higher likelihood of infections, damage to your teeth from cavities or cysts, and increase the difficulty of wisdom teeth removal and recovery.
Why Choose Manchester Oral Surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, and can be particularly more involved if your wisdom teeth are still below the gums. Manchester Oral Surgery specializes in wisdom teeth removal, offering a variety of sedation options to make your experience more comfortable. After a brief evaluation, Dr. Abel can make a recommendation for the right time to have your wisdom teeth removed. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Do I have to get my wisdom teeth removed if they aren’t causing any problems?
In some cases wisdom teeth come in properly with no problems. If it is in the best interest of your oral health, your wisdom teeth can remain in place. However, the older you are when you have them removed, the more difficult the procedure tends to be. It is usually best to get them taken out at an earlier age.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
You can expect to need a few days to rest and recover after wisdom teeth removal. You will need to eat a soft diet for at least the first week after the procedure, until you are no longer experiencing any jaw soreness from your recovery. While you may resume aerobic activity gradually as tolerated after the surgery, avoid contact sports for at least 2 weeks during recovery.
At Manchester Oral Surgery we provide personalized treatment that meets the specific needs of each patient. Your comfort is our top priority, and we strive to make your experience with us relaxing and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and to schedule a consultation.