People & Lifestyle
How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While it’s normal to have four wisdom teeth, some people don’t have any at all, which can result in more than one wisdom tooth growing in at the same time, or one wisdom tooth that comes up but doesn’t fully erupt through the gum line. Either of these scenarios can result in damage to the teeth, jawbone, and even nearby nerves. This guide will show you how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal so you can get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.
Often referred to as third molars, wisdom teeth are one of four sets of molars that grow at random times during your life. They typically start growing between ages 17 and 25. Third molars usually don’t start forming until later in life because your mouth needs space to house them comfortably; once they begin, however, there isn’t enough room for them and they can push up against other teeth and cause damage. This is why many people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed; it’s important to think about how you plan on paying for it beforehand, though.
It’s estimated that up to 90% of people who have their wisdom teeth removed still experience pain or infection after surgery. This is usually because they weren’t properly prepared for surgery, didn’t take time off work/school, and/or didn’t stay on top of post-surgery treatments. To avoid any issues with your wisdom teeth, it’s important that you know why they’re being removed—and what you can do about it before your surgery date arrives. It’s also important that you prepare yourself emotionally and financially before hand; read on to learn how!
For those of you who haven’t had your wisdom teeth extracted, but don’t want to wait until a problem arises with them, there are a few things you can do to prevent a potential future issue. First and foremost, maintain good oral hygiene. Flossing and brushing your teeth twice per day will help remove any debris that could potentially cause an infection once your wisdom teeth grow in. Not only is good oral hygiene important for preventing cavities or gum disease from forming around your mouth, it also helps maintain healthy tooth enamel, which will keep your wisdom teeth from decaying as they come in later on down the road.
First, schedule a consultation with your dentist. Second, ask whether you even need to remove your wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they grow at an angle instead of straight up and down), but aren’t bothering you or becoming problematic, then keep ’em! They’ll continue moving into their final positions over time. On top of that, there are risks associated with having surgery; if you don’t need it done—then don’t do it! Leave them be. Chances are you’ll never notice they were ever there in the first place!
While it’s generally recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed before they become a problem, it’s not always necessary. Unless your wisdom teeth are causing physical discomfort or show signs of causing trouble (like infection), there’s no reason you can’t live with them and see if they bother you in the future. But, if you’re concerned about them and want to get them out sooner rather than later, talk with your dentist about ways to make your wisdom teeth easier to remove. For example, getting orthodontic work done on your other teeth might help give room for your wisdom teeth to come in straight and cause less problems once they break through.