Getting Wise About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your wisdom teeth, also called your third set of molars by some dentists, usually start to grow in your late teens or early 20s. These teeth can cause issues, which is why many people have them removed. Not all wisdom teeth need to be taken out, so it’s a good idea to know the reasons why your dentist might suggest this procedure — and what to expect after.

Wisdom Teeth Basics

Wisdom teeth may have earned their name from the fact they often grow out between the ages of 16 and 23. This can be a decade or more after other permanent teeth are in place and at an age when we’re supposed to have grown wiser. In many cases, the dentist may recommend having them removed because of the possible side effects.

Wisdom teeth can cause many problems, including:

1. Growing in at an odd angle. Wisdom teeth can push toward other teeth or toward the inside or outside of the mouth.

 

2. Becoming impacted. This means they are trapped by gum tissue or the jawbone, which can be painful.

 

3. Erupting only partially. This can leave an opening around the tooth for bacteria to get in below the gums, which can lead to infections.

 

4. Overcrowding. Even if the wisdom teeth grow in properly, they may end up too close to other teeth, making it hard to brush and floss.

Your dentist will be able to see these teeth on an X-ray before they start to cause problems. If needed, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.

What To Expect

Your dentist or oral surgeon will fill you in on what to expect before removing your wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth have fully come out, they can be usually removed as easily as any other tooth. However, you may need minor surgery if your wisdom teeth are stuck or impacted.

In addition to using a local anesthetic to numb pain around the tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon may offer other options, including:

• Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”)
• Oral sedatives (such as Valium)
• Intravenous sedatives (given through an injection)

Keep in mind that getting wisdom teeth removed is generally easier for younger people, but healing can take a couple of weeks no matter your age. Any pain should go away after a few days, and over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage it.*

Your dentist or oral surgeon might suggest eating softer foods for a few days and prescribe antibiotics to protect against infection. Some minor bleeding at first is normal. Also, try to avoid spicy food, hot drinks, or soup, tobacco, and spitting for the first 24 hours.

The cost of getting wisdom teeth removed depends on how complicated the procedure is. Your health plan may cover the cost if it’s considered medically necessary — which is often the case if wisdom teeth are impacted or may cause health problems.

Dental insurance plans may also cover some or all the cost of such procedures.

If you have any other questions, talk with your dentist. Don't forget, every mouth is different, and your dentist is there to help you keep your smile healthy.

*Mayo Clinic: Wisdom tooth removal (April 5, 2024): mayoclinic.org.