Get Answers to Your Most Commonly Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth

Most everyone has heard of wisdom teeth but not everyone knows what they are. They may have heard of wisdom teeth extraction but not be sure what is involved. Today we are going to answer some of your most commonly asked questions about these molars. If you are having pain in your wisdom teeth, or you need a general dental exam, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.

What are wisdom teeth and when do they develop?

Wisdom are your third molars. They are the last teeth at the back of your mouth and are located on both the top and bottom. For most people, they develop in the late teens or early twenties. However, it is possible for a pre-teen to develop them and older adults can a well. Some people do not get wisdom teeth at all, while others may just get one, two, or three wisdom teeth.

What is wisdom tooth impaction and how do I know if I have it?

Your wisdom tooth becomes impacted if there is not enough room in your mouth for the tooth go grow normally. You know will likely know by experiencing pain or tenderness in your jaw, swollen gums, or even discharge if the impaction is infected. If you have impacted wisdom teeth then it is very likely we will recommend having them removed so that they do not damage your other teeth.

What makes wisdom teeth so difficult to extract?

If you needed to have another tooth pulled, it would likely not be as difficult as it can be to remove wisdom teeth. This is because wisdom teeth so often do not grow the same way other teeth do. They are often impacted, they may come it an angle, and they likely need to be broken into pieces to be extracted. If the tooth has not yet gotten above the gum line, then an incision into the gums will be necessary as well.

Under the surface, many wisdom teeth have several roots, which can grow together or fuse together. If the roots are irregular or curved, they can be very hard to remove. This is especially true of the lower wisdom teeth because they are very close to nerves.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth extraction?

On average, it will take seven to ten days to be fully recovered. However, this can vary widely based on how difficult the wisdom teeth were to be removed, what type of procedure you had, and your overall health.

What do I do if I think I have an issue with my wisdom teeth?

Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161. We recommend calling right away. What may start as a dull ache can quickly turn into a very painful situation. The sooner you have your wisdom teeth taken care of, the easier it is going to be. Do not hesitate – contact us today!