FAQs About Wisdom Teeth
Whether you have wisdom teeth coming in or haven’t noticed them pushing up through your gums, it’s important to speak with your family dentist about the necessity and possibility of wisdom tooth removal. We can help determine your next steps with X-rays and careful oral examinations.
We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, removing them, and what to expect. You can find answers to some common wisdom teeth FAQs below, but feel free to ask us any additional questions you may have.
Some of the frequently asked questions we can answer about wisdom teeth include the following:
- What are wisdom teeth?
- Why do we have wisdom teeth?
- Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
- What are the potential complications of wisdom teeth?
- What are some conditions that affect wisdom teeth?
- Do wisdom teeth always cause problems?
- Is it always necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
- Can wisdom teeth cause pain?
- How can you tell your wisdom teeth are coming in?
- How do you treat problematic wisdom teeth?
- How can you reduce pain and discomfort after wisdom teeth removal?
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
- How can you prevent wisdom tooth problems?
- Can wisdom teeth damage other teeth?
- Can wisdom teeth grow back?
- What should you do when you notice wisdom tooth problems?
1. What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the back of the mouth that typically emerge between the ages of 15 and 25. They grow slightly differently for each person, which may be why they emerge at different times for different people.
2. Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Some experts believe that wisdom teeth were a necessity for our ancestors’ diets—early humans needed the extra molars to grind up tough foods like roots, raw plants, meat, and hard nuts.
However, with modern diets and better dental hygiene, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary. Not to mention, our jaws have decreased in size, and many of us no longer have room for the extra set of teeth.
3. Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
No, not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some individuals may only have 1 or 2, while others may have none at all. Typically, people have 4 wisdom teeth, with one behind each second molar.
4. What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Teeth?
In addition to causing damage to other teeth, wisdom teeth can also become impacted (unable to fully emerge from the gums), leading to infections and pain. Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause cysts to develop in the jawbone.
It’s important to have regular dental checkups to monitor the growth and health of your wisdom teeth. We can provide treatment and care to help you avoid those complications.
5. What Are the Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Some people develop uncomfortable symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth or as a result of new wisdom teeth growing in.
The signs of an impacted wisdom tooth may include:
- Pain around your teeth and jaw
- Infections
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Damage to other teeth
- Cysts
6. Do Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Problems?
No, not all wisdom teeth cause problems. Some individuals may have wisdom teeth that come in without any issues. However, it’s always important to speak with your dentist about their recommendations for your wisdom teeth.
7. Is It Always Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
No, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist or oral surgeon can determine if removal is necessary based on factors such as the angle of growth, potential for damage to other teeth, and risk of infection.
8. Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause pain if they become impacted or infected. If you experience severe or continuous pain near your teeth and jaw, you should schedule an appointment with your family dentist.
9. How Can You Tell Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
Some signs that your wisdom teeth may be coming in include:
- Jaw pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding behind the second molars
- A sensation of pressure in the back of your mouth
- Trouble opening your mouth
- A bad taste in your mouth
10. How Do You Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Depending on the severity of the issue, impacted wisdom tooth treatment may involve removing the tooth surgically. Wisdom tooth extraction is typically a day surgery that often involves some form of anesthesia.
After the procedure, we can provide close care and monitoring to confirm you’re recovering well and spot any signs of further complications.
11. How Can You Reduce Pain & Discomfort After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort, and you can also apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling. Eating soft foods and avoiding strenuous activity can also aid in the recovery process.
12. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure, anywhere from a day or two to 1–2 weeks after surgery. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare to heal safely.
13. How Can You Prevent Wisdom Tooth Problems?
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, can help prevent problems like infections that may occur when wisdom teeth are growing in.
It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. We can monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth to determine what may be necessary for supporting your health.
14. Can Wisdom Teeth Damage Other Teeth?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause damage to other teeth if they grow in at an angle or push against other teeth. That’s one reason why your dentist may recommend that you have impacted wisdom teeth removed.
15. Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?
No, once wisdom teeth are removed, they do not grow back.
Very rarely, people can have an extra wisdom tooth called a supernumerary tooth that can erupt through your gums after your wisdom teeth have been extracted. However, most of the time a supernumerary tooth would be extracted at the same time as your wisdom teeth.
16. What Should You Do When You Notice Wisdom Tooth Problems?
Regular dental checkups can help monitor the growth and health of your wisdom teeth. If removal is recommended, following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is important to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, can also help prevent complications.
For further information or to book an appointment with us at South Ancaster Family Dental, contact us today. We would love to answer any additional questions you may have about wisdom teeth, as well as any other dental FAQs you may have.