Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed additional chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out over time, wisdom teeth could step in and act as replacement teeth as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Beverly, MA
Rid Yourself of Unneeded Teeth
In the distant past, wisdom teeth had a purpose, but nowadays, you don’t necessarily need them to maintain a
healthy, fully functioning smile. If they become impacted or stuck under the gums and are causing lots of pain, or
they are starting to pose a threat to oral health, it’s better to have them removed instead of leaving them in
the mouth where they can cause additional issues. If you’re looking to rid yourself of unneeded teeth, you
don’t need to look further. At Beverly Farms Dental, we offer wisdom tooth extractions to gently remove the
third molars before they cause problems. Give us a
call to learn more!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
A lot of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they can pose a serious threat to dental health down the road. There are all sorts of issues that can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly, like overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, increased risk for developing cysts or tumors, and possible damage. Here are some signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain while eating
- Jaw stiffness
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Repeated infections of the soft tissue behind lower last tooth.
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, we will use dental forceps and an elevator. If your wisdom teeth have yet to erupt, the process will go a little differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it is easier to do so. Afterwards, the site of the extraction will be cleaned of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it’s common to experience bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but this should subside over the next few days. During this time, it’s especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, like rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction site. Stick to softer foods and don’t drink using a straw. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, give our office a call. This way, we can give you proper guidance.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
If you believe your wisdom teeth should be extracted, our Beverly dental team is ready to evaluate the situation and perform necessary treatment. Before you book a consultation, however, you may be eager to learn about wisdom teeth and how they should be managed. To assist you, we have put together the following brief list of FAQs, along with easily digestible answers. If your specific questions are not discussed here, please reach out to us directly.