Sometimes it seems like wisdom teeth are shrouded in mystery. They’re a vestigial remnant from our ancestors whose diets included roots and other hard-to-chew foods, but they serve no modern purpose. They’re the most common congenitally missing tooth, meaning that some people are simply born without them. Those that are born with them are often left to wonder, do I need my wisdom teeth removed? Today, we’re going to shed some light on wisdom teeth and the questions surrounding them.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Normally Erupt?
Most people receive all of their permanent teeth between the ages of six and thirteen, except the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth tend to erupt between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. However, wisdom teeth can cause issues long before they erupt, which may prompt Dr. Gallagher to recommend their removal.
Why Do We Extract Wisdom Teeth?
In general, you need your wisdom teeth removed if they’re going to cause problems for your oral health. Wisdom teeth can cause issues in several ways. First, many people simply don’t have room for wisdom teeth in their jaw without creating overcrowding issues. This can cause wisdom teeth to erupt at an angle and create other complications. Relatedly, wisdom teeth are also likely to become trapped in the gums and only partially erupt. This creates a major risk for tooth decay and infection.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
If you need your wisdom teeth removed, your recovery will probably range from three days to about a week. The length of time depends on your age, your oral health, and whether your wisdom teeth were impacted or came in at an angle. In general, we recommend extracting wisdom teeth at an earlier age before the roots develop.
To ask our team any questions about wisdom teeth removal or to schedule an appointment, call us today!