Wisdom Teeth

When do I remove my wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth typically appear during our late adolescence or early twenties. Age may vary; some
people begin to encounter wisdom teeth when they are younger, older, or in some instances where
people do not get them at all. Age isn’t the only way to determine the removal of wisdom teeth. If
you experience symptoms like pain, infection, abscess, and gum swelling, it is important to consider
making an appointment with your dentist to evaluate your needs. 

Why do I need a wisdom tooth extraction?

If your tooth doesn’t emerge from your gums or only emerges partially, it is necessary to have a
wisdom tooth extraction. In the unlikely situation that your tooth is trapped in your gums, it then
becomes impacted leading to the formation of cysts surrounding the tooth. This further damages
surrounding nerves, bones, and roots. An impacted tooth can also damage your surrounding teeth
by forcing into them, leading to crowding and bite problems. If your tooth emerges partially, you are
most likely to experience gum inflammation. Inflammation creates a suitable environment for the
growth of bacteria, thereby causing cavities and gum diseases. These issues not only impact your
dental and overall health but also result in a need for additional treatments and costs, all of which
could otherwise be avoided through wisdom teeth extraction. 

What does an “impacted” tooth mean?

If your tooth does not have sufficient room to emerge and break through your gum, it could mean
that you have an “impacted” wisdom tooth. They can result in shifting and crowding of your
surrounding teeth, cysts, cavities, and gum infection. 

What is the recovery process? 

The average period for a full recovery is about seven to ten days, however, it varies from patient to
patient. You can return to some everyday activities if you carefully brush your teeth following a 24-
hour period and resume your other activities like exercising and working after a few more days. A
recovery process includes following pain management instructions from your dentist which may
require utilizing pain medication or icing your jaw. You can expect some swelling during your
recovery, however, if you experience anything unusual like bone spurs or dry sockets, schedule an
appointment with our office.