Wisdom Teeth Only
By Specialists

Known as third molars, wisdom teeth develop during the late teens or early twenties. You already have two sets of molars, so an additional set is not needed for proper oral function. Wisdom teeth are large and their molars are unpredictable. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth: two on the top and two on the bottom. Other people develop more or less than four, and some never develop them at all.

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is quick and easy. With the use of anesthesia, you will feel no pain during the surgery and wake up once it's over. The surgery itself lasts about 1 hour, which can vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you have and if any are impacted. You can expect to feel drowsy for the remainder of the day and should rest at home. Many people return to their regular activities the next day, or two days following surgery. Follow the instructions provided by your oral surgeon closely to expedite your recovery.

You should give your body the time it needs to recover and avoid any activities or foods that would harm your surgical sites and delay healing. It takes roughly 2 weeks for the surgical sites to fully heal, but you should be back to your normal routine before then.

If they are not extracted, wisdom teeth can cause several oral health problems. They can push against other teeth and knock them out of alignment. Their large roots can grow into the roots of other teeth or facial nerves, which can be very painful. The presence of wisdom teeth can be painful, as they put pressure on the back of the mouth.

Sometimes, a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. This means it is trapped beneath the gum tissue and grows sideways toward nearby teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to properly clean, leaving you susceptible to infection. When this issue progresses, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and the formation of cysts or tumors around the teeth.

Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. As you age, the wisdom teeth will become more firmly embedded into the jaw bone, which can lead to more complex extractions down the road. While early extraction is recommended, you can have wisdom teeth removed at any age.