Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Beverly, MA
Rid Yourself of Unneeded Teeth
In the distant past, wisdom teeth had a purpose, but nowadays, you don’t necessarily need them to maintain a
healthy, fully functioning smile. If they become impacted or stuck under the gums and are causing lots of pain, or
they are starting to pose a threat to oral health, it’s better to have them removed instead of leaving them in
the mouth where they can cause additional issues. If you’re looking to rid yourself of unneeded teeth, you
don’t need to look further. At Beverly Farms Dental, we offer wisdom tooth extractions to gently remove the
third molars before they cause problems. Give us a
call to learn more!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed additional chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out over time, wisdom teeth could step in and act as replacement teeth as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
A lot of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they can pose a serious threat to dental health down the road. There are all sorts of issues that can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly, like overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, increased risk for developing cysts or tumors, and possible damage. Here are some signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain while eating
- Jaw stiffness
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Repeated infections of the soft tissue behind lower last tooth.
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, we will use dental forceps and an elevator. If your wisdom teeth have yet to erupt, the process will go a little differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it is easier to do so. Afterwards, the site of the extraction will be cleaned of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it’s common to experience bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but this should subside over the next few days. During this time, it’s especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, like rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction site. Stick to softer foods and don’t drink using a straw. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, give our office a call. This way, we can give you proper guidance.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Called That?
Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems, which does not seem very “wise” at all. However, their name does make sense in a way. They are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. Therefore, they tend to grow when a person is older and “wiser” than they were in their earlier years.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of their mouth. However, there are quite a few people who have just one, two, or three wisdom teeth. In fact, one estimate published in the Dental Research Journal stated that somewhere between 5 and 37% of people are missing at least one wisdom tooth. Some people never develop any wisdom teeth!
Of course, just because you cannot see your wisdom teeth does not mean they are not there. They often get stuck below the gumline, so an X-ray may be the only way to reveal their presence.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Here are some practical steps you can take before your wisdom tooth removal procedure:
- Ask us if you have any questions — we want all of our patients to be well-informed about any procedure they commit to.
- Make sure we know about any medications or medical conditions that might have a bearing on how we perform your treatment.
- Stock up on some soft foods that you will be able to eat during your recovery.
- Pick out a comfortable outfit to wear on the day of your appointment.
- Follow any case-specific preparation instructions provided by our team.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
The only permanent way to make wisdom teeth pain go away is to get them removed. While you are waiting for your appointment, though, there may be some steps you can take to minimize your discomfort:
- Use heat and cold therapy on the side of your face to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary. (Do not place aspirin directly on painful areas.)
- Apply a topical anesthetic to the painful areas in your mouth.
- Regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Eat a soft diet.
- Brush and floss after each meal so food does not get stuck around your wisdom teeth.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
These last molars are extracted more often than not, leading many patients to wonder why people develop them in the first place. It’s believed that our ancestors developed wisdom teeth to compensate for any they might have damaged or lost surviving on a tough diet or raw meat, berries, nuts, and roots.
Thanks to modern dental care, cooked food, and eating utensils, these teeth are no longer necessary and are therefore considered a vestigial feature.
Does It Hurt to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Many people feel nervous about having troublesome wisdom teeth extracted, and want to know whether their procedure will hurt. But our compassionate providers in Beverly understand you may be feeling anxious and will do everything they can to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointment.
For instance, we typically numb your mouth before beginning your procedure so you might feel pressure while we work, but not outright pain. Then, it’s normal to feel sore and swollen for several days afterward. You can help reduce these symptoms by applying an ice pack for a temporary numbing reprieve or taking the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Do Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction if They Don’t Hurt?
Although these third molars are infamous for causing aches in their attempt to push through the gumline, it’s not a prerequisite for having them extracted. There are several additional circumstances that might result in removal, including:
- They frequently only partially clear the gums, which makes it harder to brush and floss them. This increases the likelihood of developing oral issues, like gum disease or other infections.
- The discomfort caused by wisdom teeth can put pressure on your jaw, resulting in head, neck, and shoulder aches.
- If they become trapped in your jaw or gums, they can grow a fluid-filled sac, or cyst, that can damage the surrounding tissues.
- They often push neighboring teeth out of alignment, which can contribute to bite issues, overcrowding, or gaps.
What’s the Best Age to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There’s no specific age restriction or requirement for having these molars extracted, but many patients undergo the procedure in their teenage years. It’s still possible to remove them later in life, but older adults have firmer jawbones that are less flexible and take longer to heal.
As a result, this treatment is often recommended during high school or college, when patients can schedule their appointments during a long weekend or holiday break and still have plenty of time to rest and recover with less concern about potentially missing work.
