From the time you are born, your mouth is in a constant state of change. One of the significant changes most people experience between the ages of 17 and 21 is the growth of their wisdom teeth.
At one point or another, you have probably heard that wisdom teeth need extraction once they grow in, but you may need clarification as to why that is.
The core of the matter is that, in most cases, wisdom teeth can cause problems for you if they do not have room to grow correctly.
Unfortunately, many myths are floating around about wisdom teeth removal that may stir up some mixed emotions in you if you have yet to undergo this procedure. However, you will be happy to hear that many of these myths are untrue.
Hopefully, realizing this will help you relieve any concerns about this procedure. The following are some of the most common myths about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal, as well as some explanations of the realities that contradict them:
It is a common misconception that everyone must have wisdom teeth removed at some point. Some people never even grow wisdom teeth; others grow wisdom teeth that do not warrant removal. In reality, around 35% of people will never develop wisdom teeth.
Also, some people who grow wisdom teeth never experience problems related to pain, discomfort, crowding, or infection. In this case, removal of the tooth or teeth is not necessary.
As your wisdom teeth come in, your dentist will likely monitor their growth and pay particular attention to areas that may be causes for concern. However, if all goes well and they come in properly aligned and healthy, you can live the rest of your life with them, and you will not notice a difference.
Some people believe it is necessary to wait until all four of their wisdom teeth grow in before they have them removed; however, this is another myth based on falsehood. Some people never even grow all four wisdom teeth, and sometimes only some require removal even when they all grow in.
It is unnecessary to wait until you are feeling pain or discomfort in all four corners of your mouth before scheduling an appointment to remove your wisdom teeth.
It is standard for people to have one or two wisdom teeth removed in one procedure and then have the others removed (if necessary) in a separate procedure down the line. Again, it is best to take your dentist’s advice on this matter after they have observed X-Rays of your wisdom teeth.
Feelings of anxiety about going to the dentist are relatively common and even more so when dental surgery is part of the equation. Some people may even put off having their wisdom teeth removed because they are worried that the pain they experience during the surgery will be extreme, but this is just another myth.
In many cases, the dentist or dental surgeon you go to for your wisdom teeth removal will offer you choices regarding the anesthesia they use.
Laughing gas is relatively common for this procedure and would keep you awake but would make it so that you feel no pain at all. A stronger anesthesia that ultimately puts you to sleep for the entirety of the procedure is also quite common.
Either way, you will not have to worry about experiencing unbearable pain while your wisdom teeth are removed.
Another myth that may deter people from wanting to schedule an appointment to remove their wisdom teeth is that this procedure is dangerous.
However, while there are always small risks involved in any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal is very safe overall when performed by professionals.
If you have any concerns about potential risks, discuss this with your dentist or dental surgeon. They will explain the nature of these risks and their limited likelihood of helping put your mind at ease.
If you suspect your wisdom teeth are coming in and want to discuss their removal with dental care professionals, come to Oakville Place Dental for dental care in Oakville.
We have over 25 years of experience helping families in Oakville maintain optimal dental health. Our experienced team of hygienists and dentists will make you feel welcome and comfortable as we get to the bottom of any pain or discomfort that you may be experiencing.
Our professional staff understands that removing your wisdom teeth can be a little stressful, so we do everything we can to create a relaxing environment in our office.
We always prioritize the health and comfort of our patients, and we equip ourselves with the latest state-of-the-art equipment to always offer top-quality dental services.
Our team of experts would be happy to discuss the wisdom teeth removal process in detail with you beforehand to ensure that all of your questions are answered before moving forward with the procedure. We will also provide all the necessary information to ensure a fast and efficient recovery after your procedure.
For more information on our approach to wisdom teeth removal or to learn more about how our team members can help make your surgery as safe and stress-free as possible, call Oakville Place Dental at 647-496-2721 or contact us here.