Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQsAt Oral & Facial Surgery we have found that many of our patients have questions about wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge. They are the last set of molars, and the furthest back, in your mouth. People typically have two on their top set of teeth and two on their bottom set of teeth. Sometimes, however, individuals don't develop wisdom teeth at all. At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?Individuals usually develop their wisdom teeth anywhere from late their late teens to early twenties. For some, they may feel these molars popping through their gums. For others, this may cause pain. While some individuals, don't feel any discomfort. Do We Need Our Wisdom Teeth?Wisdom teeth, or third molars, were once an important part of our ancestors' diets. These large teeth made it possible to chew and digest tough foods like roots, nuts, and meat, which were regular components of the prehistoric human diet. But over time, as our diets have evolved and become softer and easier to chew, our jaws have also evolved, becoming smaller. is performed in an oral surgeon's office. Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Pulled?As a result, there's often not enough room in the modern human mouth for wisdom teeth to grow in properly. They can become impacted, trapped between the gums, grow in at odd angles, or cause overcrowding in the mouth. All of these can lead to pain, discomfort, and pressure on the teeth. Do I Have to Go to the Hospital to Have My Wisdom Teeth Pulled?You generally do not have to go to the hospital for wisdom teeth removal. In most cases, this procedure is performed in a dental office under local or general anaesthesia depending on the complexity of your case as well as your comfort level. How Long is the Recovery Process After Wisdom Tooth Removal?The recovery process after wisdom tooth removal can be as unique as you are. Typically, the recovery period lasts only a few days. However, the precise length can vary depending on certain factors, such as your overall health, if your teeth were impacted, and your age. Do I Need to Have All Four of My Wisdom Teeth Removed?You may not necessarily need to have all four of your wisdom teeth removed. It isn't necessarily an all or nothing situation. Our dentist will discuss various factors with you when deciding whether to extract all four wisdom teeth. These may include the position of your wisdom teeth, your age, your oral hygiene, and your overall health. Whether you need to have all four of your wisdom teeth removed depends primarily on your individual circumstance. Some people may never have any issues with their wisdom teeth and as a result, they may not need to have them removed. However, in many cases, wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, or other dental problems—making it necessary to have them removed. Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?Your wisdom teeth's alignment plays a pivotal role in the decision. If they're impacted, meaning they are not fully erupted due to being blocked by other teeth or gum tissue, removal may be necessary to prevent future complications. On the other hand, if your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, and you keep them clean and free from cavities, you may not need to have them removed. Schedule an Appointment with Us to Learn More!Even if you're not currently experiencing any problems with your wisdom teeth, it's possible that issues could surface in the future. Regular dental checkups are your greatest defense against complications from wisdom teeth and other oral health concerns. Contact us today at (509) 872-4294. |
Two Locations to Serve YouLewiston, ID444 Thain Rd, Lewiston, ID 83501 Pullman, WA1256 Bishop Blvd Suite I, Pullman, WA 99163 |
Lewiston, ID:444 Thain Rd, Lewiston, ID 83501 Phone: 986-252-8001 Fax: 208-743-1643 HoursMon - Fri: 8 am - 4 pm Pullman, WA1256 Bishop Blvd Suite I, Pullman, WA 99163 Phone: 509-872-4294 Fax: 509-330-5028 HoursMon - Fri: 8 am - 4 pm |