When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge. They usually begin to erupt around the age of 18, but they can remain dormant or never appear. Wisdom teeth grow perfectly fine for some people, thus adding four more teeth to complete the 32 adult teeth set.

Wisdom teeth are known to cause some dental complications in some people. If your teeth erupt partially or sideways, you might need them removed. Below is everything you need to know about the removal of wisdom teeth.

How Do You Know If You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out?

The placement of your wisdom teeth can determine whether they get to stay or be removed. When a wisdom tooth erupts sideways, it can remain trapped under your gum line. This disrupts the alignment of your other teeth, and it can end up developing tumors or cysts that can destroy your jaw bone. Your dentist might advise you to have the wisdom tooth removed to avoid this. On the other hand, you can get your wisdom teeth out when they emerge partially. That's because they can make your oral hygiene more difficult, thus allowing bacteria to enter your gums.

Timeline of Wisdom Teeth Growth

Wisdom teeth usually grow between the ages of 18 to 25. However, they can take years before they emerge through your gums. In some cases, they never erupt at all. Wisdom teeth are amongst your third set of molars, and they are at the back of your mouth. Their goal is to grind food down, unlike most of the front teeth that help tear food into smaller pieces.

Does Getting Wisdom Teeth Out Hurt?

The removal of wisdom teeth shouldn't hurt. Your dentist should use enough anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The process is generally painless and quick in experienced hands. You can feel slight pressure during the procedure when the dentist rocks your tooth. After extraction, you can experience mild discomfort, but you will be back to normal in a few days.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Wisdom Teeth Out?

Removing wisdom teeth can be a complex process. Therefore, the removal cost is between $75 to $250 per tooth for a simple extraction. A surgical extraction might cost between $225 to $500 per tooth.

What Should I Expect After I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

After removing your wisdom teeth, you might experience a mild discomfort and a swollen mouth and cheeks. Depending on the complexity, the experience will gradually improve until you are fully healed in a week or two. On the first day, you can find some blood in your mouth. It's advisable to use an ice pack on your face after getting your wisdom teeth out.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can help prevent or fix issues with your last molars. If you get your wisdom teeth removed, you should eat soft food and expect to get back to your daily activities a few days after the procedure. The recovery can take a few days to a week, and it's advisable to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist.

Here at Graff Orthodontics our experienced staff provides safe wisdom teeth removal that is attentive to each patient's needs. You can request an appointment or call us at (505) 327 - 4884. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your wisdom teeth needs!