Wisdom teeth need to come out when they are trapped, growing in at an angle or already causing pain, infection or decay. Plenty of people keep theirs, so wisdom teeth removal is a case-by-case call rather than a rite of passage.
Rather than pulling them by default, our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI watches these teeth form and tells you plainly whether yours can stay.
Here's how that decision gets made.
Why Third Molars Cause Trouble
Third molars are the last teeth to arrive, usually between about ages 17 and 21. By then the jaw is often short on room.
A tooth that stays stuck under the gum or in the bone is called impacted. The explains that a tooth that only partly breaks through can let bacteria in and cause pain, swelling and jaw stiffness.
Signs a Wisdom Tooth May Need to Come Out
Watch for these changes at the back of your mouth:
- Pain or pressure behind your last molars
- Red, puffy gums or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- Food that packs in around a half-erupted tooth
- Trouble opening your mouth all the way
Some impacted teeth cause no symptoms at all. That is why X-rays matter as much as how your mouth feels.
When You Might Keep Them
A wisdom tooth that comes in straight, meets the opposing tooth and can be reached with a toothbrush and floss may be fine to leave alone. notes that no treatment may be needed when an impacted tooth is not causing problems.
Kept wisdom teeth still need attention. Plaque around them can feed the bacteria behind gum disease, so keep them in your daily flossing routine.
How Our Dentist Decides
Dr. Busch-Abbate examines your mouth and reviews digital dental X-rays to see the angle of each tooth, its roots and the space it has. She checks how the tooth sits next to your other molars and whether it is crowding them.
If you are weighing braces, the timing of wisdom teeth can come up as part of orthodontic treatment. Regular checkups catch these changes early, along with other common dental health problems.
Why Timing Matters
Removal often goes more smoothly in the late teens or early twenties. MedlinePlus explains that the roots are not fully developed yet, which makes the tooth easier to remove and the area quicker to heal.
Adults can still have wisdom teeth taken out. The risk of problems around a retained tooth tends to rise with age, so an older tooth is worth keeping an eye on.
What Removal Involves
Gentle Dentistry provides wisdom tooth extraction along with simple and surgical extractions. When a tooth sits deep or close to a nerve, Dr. Busch-Abbate may refer you to an oral surgeon after the exam.
The says the procedure usually takes an hour or less with local anesthesia. Full recovery takes about two weeks, and soft foods help for the first few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a general dentist remove wisdom teeth?
Yes, many general dentists remove wisdom teeth, and Gentle Dentistry performs wisdom tooth extractions in its Kalamazoo office. Teeth that are deeply impacted or close to a nerve may be better handled by a specialist.
Dr. Busch-Abbate decides after the exam and X-rays, and she will refer you to an oral surgeon when your case calls for one.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel much better within a week, and full recovery takes about two weeks. The socket itself can take longer to fill in completely, especially after an impacted tooth is removed.
Cleveland Clinic suggests planning to rest for the first few days. Your dentist will go over aftercare instructions before you leave the office.
What can I eat after a wisdom tooth comes out?
Stick with soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies eaten with a spoon and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Skip hard, crunchy and chewy foods that can disturb the healing gums.
Cleveland Clinic also advises avoiding straws and carbonated drinks while the area heals. Most people ease back into their normal diet over the following weeks.
Is it too late to remove wisdom teeth as an adult?
No, there is no upper age limit for removing a wisdom tooth that is causing problems. Healing may take a little longer than it would for a teenager, because younger patients tend to recover more quickly.
If an adult wisdom tooth is healthy and easy to clean, your dentist may simply keep watching it at your regular visits.
What should I do if my wisdom tooth starts to hurt?
Call your dentist as soon as you can, because pain or pressure near an erupting wisdom tooth is often a sign it is trapped or needs to come out. Gentle Dentistry asks patients not to ignore this kind of pain.
If you're experiencing a dental emergency, call our office and we'll help you find the next available time to be seen.
Talk With Gentle Dentistry About Your Wisdom Teeth
Wondering whether your wisdom teeth should stay or go? Book a visit with Gentle Dentistry in Kalamazoo, MI, and we will check them and talk through whether wisdom teeth removal makes sense for you.
Call Gentle Dentistry today at (269) 381-3890 or request an appointment online.