Wisdom teeth are also known as your third molars and the last of your adult teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth typically make an appearance between the ages of 17 to 24, but it is not unusual to have them erupt earlier or later on in life.
Today, wisdom teeth don’t really serve any purpose for us; however, they were once helpful for our ancestors. Back when our ancestors did not have dental care and ate hard and rough foods, it was common for teeth to wear down and fall out. Functioning as spare teeth, wisdom teeth would erupt and replace the teeth that had fallen out. Today, advances in dentistry and dental care have made it so that we no longer need these replacement teeth, and wisdom teeth are commonly extracted to prevent them from causing damage to oral health.
How Do You Know When Wisdom Teeth Are Erupting?
Many people ask our dentist at Regency Square Dental what it feels like to have wisdom teeth erupt. The symptoms associated with wisdom teeth can range from slight discomfort to severe pain, depending on the specific circumstance. Some common signs that indicate erupting wisdom teeth are:
- Pain in the gums
- Bleeding in the gums
- Swelling and inflammation around the jaw
- Headaches
- Jaw stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When there is not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth become encased in the jawbone and need to be removed by a dentist near you to prevent damage to surrounding teeth, infection, and other complications.
Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you aren’t in any pain and your wisdom teeth are not posing a threat to your other teeth, then you likely don’t need to get a wisdom tooth extraction in Davie. Some dentists believe that wisdom teeth should be removed no matter what since we don’t need them and they pose a risk of developing complications later on, while others believe they should only be extracted if they are causing problems. Speak to your dentist in Davie about what you would like to do, and ask for their thoughts on the subject.
Your dentist will most likely suggest that you get a wisdom tooth extraction near you if:
- You are in pain
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted or partially erupted
- They are causing overcrowding in your mouth
- Their position makes it challenging to properly clean your teeth
The Extraction Procedure
The wisdom tooth extraction procedure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on your needs and desires. Some patients get all their wisdom teeth removed at once, while others choose to get a combination of them removed, such as the lower ones first and then the upper ones. If the tooth has fully erupted, the extraction process is very straightforward and just like any other tooth extraction. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will need to make an incision in your gums to access and remove the tooth. After the tooth or teeth are extracted, the dentist will suture the area and provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing.
If you have been experiencing symptoms that you think may be associated with your wisdom teeth erupting, please contact our team at Regency Square Dental for a consultation.