Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Barnegat, NJ

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

In our world today, wisdom teeth are considered a vestigial feature meaning that we no longer need them. It’s believed that our ancestors developed them as a necessity for survival. Early humans ate a diet that contained raw foods like meat, berries, nuts, roots, and leaves. Because they didn’t heat or cook them, they needed broader jaws and stronger molars to chew effectively. This could wear down, break, or dislodge their pearly whites by the time they reached adulthood, leaving them unable to consume nutrients. They didn’t have dentists to repair the damage, so new molars would grow in to supplement any that were damaged or lost.

Today, they’re not necessary because we cook, bake, cut, and prepare our foods so that they’re easier to eat. Plus, our team keeps your smile healthy, so additional teeth aren’t necessary like they once were. If you’re worried about the condition of your wisdom teeth, you’re welcome to contact us for a consultation.

What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There’s no specific age limit for wisdom tooth extractions because they can be removed whether you’re a teenager or an adult. It’s worth noting, however, that it can be more difficult to pull them later in life because the roots will have grown longer and will be more embedded in the jawbone. This means older adults may have a harder time recovering after wisdom tooth extraction than teenagers. Many dentists recommend this procedure for high schoolers or college students because they can extract problematic teeth before they have a chance to cause any issues like impaction, tooth decay, cysts, or pushing their neighbors out of alignment. Plus, younger mouths heal more quickly.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

Many patients feel anxious when they learn they need a wisdom tooth extraction because they worry that it will be a long and agonizing procedure. Fortunately, Dr. Gizachew knows this and will do everything he can to help you feel calm throughout your appointment. First, he’ll start by applying a topical anesthetic so that you don’t experience discomfort. Then, he can provide one of several types of sedation so that your body is less able to register pain. While you might feel pressure, it won’t be outright hurtful. It’s normal to feel some aching and tenderness afterward, but our team will give you post-op instructions to minimize the risk of any complications.  

How Do You Avoid Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after wisdom tooth extraction that happens when the blood clot that develops over the surgical site becomes dislodged. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves to food, bacteria, and air. Not only is this condition incredibly uncomfortable, but it also hinders your healing. You can prevent it by:

• Avoid drinking through straws.
• Don’t smoke vapes or cigarettes.
• Try not to chew hard foods on that side of your mouth.
• Keep away from rigorous activities that elevate your heart rate.
• Be careful not to use too much force when brushing your teeth.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

While most people get four wisdom teeth in their late teens or early 20s, some people are missing at least one or don’t have any at all. In rare cases, some people even have five or six! While nobody knows exactly why some people never get their third molars, genetics could be responsible. If your parent doesn’t have any or all of theirs, you may be missing at least one of yours, too.

That being said, just because you can’t see your wisdom teeth doesn’t mean you don’t have them at all. Dr. Gizachew can give you an accurate count of yours with the help of a dental X-ray.

Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Before Braces?

If you’re scheduled to receive braces, Dr. Gizachew may recommend getting your wisdom teeth removed first. That’s because they can push against your other teeth, which could cause them to either delay or outright ruin your treatment progress. In fact, even if you wear a retainer every night their pressure is so great that they can still push your teeth out of alignment.

If yours are removed before you get braces, Dr. Gizachew effectively has a “clean slate” to work with so your braces results will be more successful and permanent. Unfortunately, many teens and children have already completed their orthodontic treatment by the time they get their wisdom teeth. When this happens, Dr. Gizachew will typically recommend removing them as soon as possible to prevent the teeth from moving out of alignment again.

Furthermore, if your third molars press up against your other teeth while wearing braces, it can cause serious damage. In this situation, the teeth are often unable to move because of the orthodontic appliances, and the pressure could cause your teeth to crack or break, requiring root canals, crowns, or even extractions of your non-wisdom teeth!

 

What Happens If You Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Smoking or vaping following oral surgery can increase your risk of developing a painful condition called dry socket, where the blood clot forming on the surgical site becomes dislodged. This not only hurts, but it can also open the socket and can leave your mouth vulnerable to infection.

Thus, it is very important that you not use tobacco of any kind during the healing process. If you are schedule to have your wisdom teeth removed, try and use this opportunity to quit smoking for good. Ask Dr. Gizachew if you need more information about how to successfully stop.

Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve?

Unlike other types of extractions, wisdom tooth removal usually requires stitches to stabilize the tissue surrounding the incisions. Frequently, Dr. Gizachew will use dissolving stitches that go away on their own after a few weeks. It can sometimes take up to a month for them to fully vanish, but this will vary depending on the severity of the procedure, as well as the type, material, and size of the stiches used.

Occasionally, Dr. Gizachew will need to use stitches that don’t dissolve on their own, and he will need to remove them himself. If this occurs, your dental team will notify you regarding when you should return to have them taken out, but it typically happens seven to ten days after your procedure.