{"id":8976,"date":"2019-05-29T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilebrandsnew.wpengine.com\/what-you-need-to-know-about-wisdom-teeth-surgery\/"},"modified":"2023-12-06T16:55:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T16:55:13","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-wisdom-teeth-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightnow.com\/what-you-need-to-know-about-wisdom-teeth-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth<\/a> that needs extraction<\/a>. Since the removal of wisdom teeth is considered oral surgery (a very common, safe, and routine outpatient procedure), it\u2019s natural to have questions. Here is everything you need to know about getting your wisdom teeth removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are wisdom teeth?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually begin to erupt between the ages of 16 and 26. These molars are the flatter teeth in the back of the mouth used to grind down food and are often the last permanent teeth to erupt. Most people will get four (two on the top and two on the bottom) that come in behind the first and second sets of molars. Though uncommon, some people can have less or more than four, or never develop any at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wisdom teeth are commonly considered an evolutionary carryover from when early humans needed more teeth. They are no longer necessary for normal, healthy oral function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you have 5 wisdom teeth?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, crazy as it seems there are a few that have more than four. Less than 5% of the population has 5 wisdom teeth and while not an immediate cause for concern, your dentist should monitor this situation to assess whether and when an extraction may be needed. Having more wisdom teeth not only makes cleaning more difficult but can increase your chances of tooth decay, jaw pain, overcrowding, and misalignment of your existing teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are they called wisdom teeth?<\/span><\/h3>\n

We don\u2019t know for sure. A common explanation is that the moniker refers to the fact that these teeth erupt when a child is older and, presumably, wiser.<\/span><\/p>\n

When do most people get their wisdom teeth?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Wisdom teeth can typically be seen via X-ray when the patient is about 12 and the teeth are still below the gum line. It\u2019s not until ages 17 and 25 years old that wisdom teeth erupt.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are impacted wisdom teeth?<\/span><\/h3>\n

When a tooth is impacted, it is essentially trapped beneath the gum line and can\u2019t erupt, or break through the gums. If they can\u2019t erupt properly, then they can\u2019t move into the correct position and may cause problems to the jaw and the adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most common type of teeth to become impacted. This is primarily because they erupt so late when the jaw and facial structure are almost fully developed. Since our mouths and jaws have evolved to function without the need for wisdom teeth, there simply isn\u2019t any room for them. When your jaw can\u2019t accommodate these extra teeth, they get stuck under the gums and can create pressure and pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 85% of wisdom teeth will need to be removed. <\/span><\/p>\n

The American Dental Association recommends wisdom teeth removal if they:<\/span><\/h4>\n