Get Wise to Wisdom Teeth

Do wisdom teeth make a person wise? Or, do only wise people get wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that appear in most people’s mouths between the ages of 17 and 25, are so called because it is assumed that people of this age will have obtained more wisdom than they would have had as children when their other permanent teeth came in.

Though it seems like having another set of molars come in would be a simple process, it’s often the opposite. That is why so many people undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery.

Why do wisdom teeth have to be removed? How does one care for his or her mouth after a dental extraction? We at Dakota Dental are happy to provide some answers.

For many people, wisdom teeth become trapped in the jaw or gums because the mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate them. Or, wisdom teeth come in at the wrong angle and press against other teeth. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth and can cause serious pain and even lead to infection.

By removing the wisdom teeth early, before the roots are fully able to grow and become established, it is possible to prevent many of the potential long-term problems. However, as with any dental extraction, there are costs and risks involved.

If you choose to have the surgery, taking care of your teeth and mouth is important during recovery. There will likely be some slight bleeding from the surgical site, and pain medication will likely be prescribed. Your job will be to eat soft, bland foods and to keep the area clean. The caring professionals at Dakota Dental will show you what you need to do for post-surgery and ongoing preventive dental care.

The best way to know if wisdom teeth removal is right for you is to make an appointment with one of the Dakota Dental family dentists. Our oral surgery team can assess your situation and discuss options to put you on the right path to oral health.