The last of our adult teeth come in around the age of 21 years old and have to last for the rest of our lives. Thankfully, there are over 200,000 dentists working in the United States to help us care for them!
But not all your adult teeth come in at the same time. Your wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to come in.
So what are wisdom teeth and how can your dentist help with yours? Read on to find out more!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
“Wisdom teeth” is the common name given to your final set of four teeth that come in at the back of your mouth. They are also known as your third molars and they help you to chew.
Your wisdom teeth come in at the back of your mouth and usually come through between the ages of 17 and 21. They are the final set of teeth that you get and may all come through at once or one at a time.
What Should You Do When Your Wisdom Teeth Are Growing In?
When your wisdom teeth start coming in it may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t be unbearably painful according to this dentist in Avon Lake OH. However, if there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth to come through then this can cause problems.
You can get impacted wisdom teeth if your wisdom teeth become trapped underneath your gums and in your jaw. When this happens it can lead to:
- Pain and discomfort
- Infections
- Cysts or tumors
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Damage to the neighboring teeth
Thankfully, dentists can help you deal with problematic wisdom teeth by removing them.
Can You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common procedure in dentists’ offices across the country. This is a great way to remove infections or decay before they affect your other teeth.
Even if your wisdom teeth do come through smoothly, your dentist may recommend removing them anyway. This is because they can cause overcrowding in your mouth, which can make your teeth appear crooked and make them difficult to clean. Removing your wisdom teeth will free up space in your mouth to keep your teeth looking straight.
The procedure shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes and can be performed under either local or general anesthetic. During surgery, your dentist may have to cut your gums to get to your wisdom teeth. However, they then stitch any wounds using dissolvable stitches so you won’t need to go in to have them removed.
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can be a painful process so it’s important to know what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Soft foods will be easier to eat and painkillers, such as paracetamol, should manage any discomfort that you feel.
Get Help With Your Wisdom Teeth Today!
Now you know the answer to the question “what are wisdom teeth?” and what to do when yours come through! For more great tips on looking after your oral hygiene, keep scrolling.
