Did you know that humans originally evolved with more teeth to eat foods such as nuts, raw meat, and berries? Enter wisdom teeth, the pesky third molars whose removal many people see as a rite of passage.
Have you ever wondered whether it is time for getting your wisdom teeth removed? Here are the signs you may need to get your wisdom teeth removed through a surgical procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Age
Like all other teeth, the age that wisdom teeth start to come in varies considerably based on genetics and evolution. Some people get theirs removed in their early teens, while other patients can wait until their mid to late twenties.
You may be able to predict your wisdom teeth eruptions based on when your other teeth came in. For instance, if you started losing baby teeth early, then you can expect your wisdom teeth to grow at an earlier age.
What to Watch For
One of the biggest reasons that people get their wisdom teeth removed is infection. If you start to experience pain, pus, redness, and swelling around where your wisdom teeth should be, then you should consult with your dentist immediately.
Your dental team may notice your wisdom teeth growing in during your routine teeth cleaning and examination. Sometimes the teeth will show up on x-rays as impacted, so they cannot erupt properly or grow through the gums.
The Surgical Process
Once you consult with an oral surgeon, you will schedule an appointment to get some or all of your wisdom teeth taken out. You can choose to have a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to numb the pain of the surgery.
Most patients, however, will opt for a more powerful option so they do not have to endure the drilling and other sounds. General anesthesia means that you will be asleep for the procedure and will wake up once all of the teeth have been pulled. Your dentist may also recommend nitrous oxide or laughing gas.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
After your surgery, you will likely experience pain and swelling. You should stock up on soft, cold foods that are easy to eat, such as yogurt, ice cream, and apple sauce.
Over a period of days, you can start adding more foods to your diet that requires minimal chewing. As your incisions heal, you can slowly switch back to your regular diet over a period of two to four weeks.
Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal Today
If you need your wisdom teeth taken out, you should not have to wait until you suffer an infection or other problems. With this guide, you can work with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your wisdom teeth removal.