Wisdom teeth typically emerge sometime during your teenage years, and for some people, they don\u2019t cause any problems. However, for many adults and teenagers, it\u2019s worth considering a wisdom tooth extraction \u2013 here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n
We call wisdom teeth \u2018impacted\u2019 when they don\u2019t emerge properly through the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth may:<\/p>\n
Impacted wisdom teeth can be really painful, which is one of the reasons why they\u2019re extracted.<\/p>\n
To be clear, there\u2019s absolutely no need to remove wisdom teeth before you undergo orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners. So if your wisdom teeth grow in properly and cause no issues, it may not be worth extracting them. They won\u2019t do you any harm.<\/p>\n
The best part? You can avoid the two main disadvantages of removing wisdom teeth: oral surgery and the (sometimes painful) recovery process!<\/p>\n
The long-term effects will depend on the position of the tooth and what damage it\u2019s causing to the surrounding structures:<\/p>\n
If left untreated, impacted or crowded wisdom teeth can affect your overall oral health, so you should contact a dentist for advice.<\/p>\n
They can be harder to extract than regular teeth, yes, but not always. It very much depends on the tooth\u2019s position and whether it\u2019s fully erupted through the gum or not. In general, upper wisdom teeth are usually easier to remove than lower ones.<\/p>\n
No. Unless the dentist cuts into your gum tissue, you probably won\u2019t need stitches.<\/p>\n
Not always. It depends on how complex the extraction is. However, even if you need a general anaesthetic, you can usually go home the same day.<\/p>\n
Most side effects are mild and include:<\/p>\n
There\u2019s always a chance you could develop \u2018dry socket\u2019, which is when a clot doesn\u2019t form in the extraction site. This can be painful, but your dentist can help if it happens.<\/p>\n
Wisdom tooth extraction recovery varies widely between patients, but a full recovery can take up to two weeks. For difficult extractions, it could take longer. Stick to soft foods for a few days after surgery, and rest as much as possible. Follow whatever advice your dentist gives you.<\/p>\n