Wisdom teeth extraction: 9 FAQs answered by an expert

The wisdom tooth is one of the molars (back teeth) that emerges last after all the other teeth emerge.

Wisdom teeth begin to emerge from 18 years and above in most teens and adults, although some people may develop them earlier or later than this.

Each person has two wisdom teeth in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, thus completing the total of 32 adult teeth.

The problem does not arise with wisdom teeth per se; rather it occurs when they cause problems because of impaction due to lack of space for them to emerge.

With this in mind, we provide answers to nine frequently asked questions regarding wisdom teeth.

Q1: Are the removal of wisdom teeth necessary?

No, the removal of wisdom teeth is not necessarily necessary.

You should be concerned about the wisdom teeth only when they give you trouble by causing pain.

Impaction is the primary cause for which you would need to extract your wisdom teeth, as we talked about earlier.

However, there might be other conditions under which you would have to extract wisdom teeth such as infection, cavities, or lesions. If you feel pain from deep in your mouth, you should definitely see a dentist regarding your wisdom teeth.

Q2: Do they break your jaw in order to remove wisdom teeth?

No, it is not true that the dentist would break your jaw while extracting wisdom teeth. The process is nowhere near being as brutal as that!

Usually, the dentist will administer the patient with a local anesthetic to numb the pain and make an incision on the gums to reveal the tooth and then extract the teeth.

Q3: Does wisdom teeth removal cause any pain?

While you might feel some pain for a couple of days after you have had your wisdom teeth removed, this is nothing compared to what you had to go through while you still had them in your mouth.

The actual process is totally pain-free because your dentist will apply an anesthetic which will minimize pain in the place where he/she will extract the tooth from.

However, in case you experience excessive pain in the days following the process, there might be something wrong and you should contact your dentist.

Q4: Is it possible to brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?

At least 24 hours should pass since you have had your wisdom teeth removed before you can start brushing your teeth.

This is so because your tooth might cause your wound to bleed if you do it immediately after the procedure.

Q5: Which foods are best to eat after having wisdom teeth pulled out?

What should one eat after wisdom teeth extraction?

Well, considering that mouth sensitivity is common for a number of days following the procedure, it would only make sense to eat soft foods whenever possible.

Although the duration of healing process differs, there may be a need for changing the diet for some days or weeks following the procedure. Soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth extraction include:

Eat blended soups, broths, yogurts, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, bananas and other soft foods while ensuring that the diet you have is balanced during the period when your mouth is healing.

Q6: What is the price of wisdom teeth extraction?

The cost of wisdom teeth extraction can vary tremendously depending on the individual case as well as the cost charged by the particular dental practice.

However, for budgetary purposes, expect the cost of extraction to range from $100 to $1,000 per tooth.

It is advisable to call several dental practices to have the price of the procedure quoted so as to choose the dentist who will offer best value for money.

Q7: How long does wisdom teeth removal last?

Most of the times, wisdom teeth removal takes between 60 and 90 minutes, which is not a lengthy process at all.

If, however, your wisdom teeth are deeply embedded in the mouth and are hard to remove, then this process will take more than the above mentioned time. As for the healing period, it will only take two weeks for complete recovery without any pain.

Q8: Wisdom teeth removal aftereffects?

During the first days after the removal of wisdom teeth, you will feel sensitivity and slight pain in that particular place. It may take 1-2 weeks to be able to eat solid foods again.

Nevertheless, if you listen to the recommendations of your dentist and take care of the hygiene in your mouth, there will be no pain at all. In case you have an infection, you need to go to the dentist immediately.

Question 9: Why shouldn’t your wisdom teeth be removed according to the experts?

Nowadays, the predominant thinking among dentists is that they only extract wisdom teeth in case there is a problem.

In the past, dentists used to remove wisdom teeth as a preventative measure so that they wouldn’t cause a problem later on.

Nevertheless, if you do not experience any problems with your wisdom teeth, then you should not fear the extraction process.

Concluding remarks

Wisdom teeth extraction does not have to be a frightening experience, especially if you feel any pain and discomfort.

Although you may experience some discomfort for a period of a couple of weeks after your wisdom teeth extraction, you will soon be back to normal and in good health and condition.

FAQs

1. Do all wisdom teeth get extracted?

Not necessarily, because wisdom teeth are extracted only when they cause pain, infections, impaction, cavities, or any other dental issues.

2. How painful is wisdom teeth extraction?

Wisdom teeth extraction doesn't hurt at all if done under anesthesia, but some soreness and swelling might occur in the following days after the operation.

3. What kind of food should be eaten after extracting wisdom teeth?

Soft food such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and bananas should be chosen until you feel comfortable enough in your mouth.

4. What is the duration of recovery period after wisdom teeth extraction?

Usually, most patients fully recover in a few days to a couple of weeks after the operation.

5. When can I brush my teeth after extracting wisdom teeth?

Avoid brushing your teeth for 24 hours after the surgery and brush your teeth carefully afterwards.

Anna Sofia

A wellness writer who focuses on oral hygiene, Anna Sofia has an in-depth knowledge of various diseases of teeth and ways to treat them. Having an awareness of common diseases of teeth and preventative care, she provides readers with information to help them make informed decisions regarding their oral health.