Wisdom Teeth Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do wisdom teeth come in?
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
What are signs your wisdom teeth are coming in?
Are wisdom teeth harmful?
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

At what age do wisdom teeth come in?

While every person is different, wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, they often come in only partially or become impacted, leading to problems.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

We suggest having them removed in your teens or early twenties, preferably before they cause problems such as crowding of the other teeth, impaction, or partial eruption. The surgery is more straightforward at this time because the roots of the wisdom teeth or shorter. Shorter roots are easier to remove. If you wait until later in life, the longer roots may be entangled with nerve bundles in the jawline. Wisdom teeth sometimes creep into the sinuses in the upper jaw as you grow older.

What are signs your wisdom teeth are coming in?

If you have regular dental checkups, your dentist will spot signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in before you show any symptoms. X-rays and digital imaging are fantastic tools that allow us to anticipate wisdom tooth eruption before it becomes an issue.

There are also symptoms you should watch for, particularly in teens and adults. If you experience any of them, it could be a sign our wisdom teeth are coming in:

• Painful gums in the back of the mouth
• Swelling of the gums or cheek
• Jaw pain
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Headaches

If you have any of these symptoms, contact Plainfield OMS for an appointment. The sooner your wisdom teeth are removed, and any infection is treated, the sooner your symptoms are alleviated.

Are wisdom teeth harmful?

If you have plenty of room in your jaw and the teeth come in completely, no. However, this is rarely the case. Modern humans have jawbones that typically aren’t roomy enough for the last four molars. When they start to emerge, the most likely outcome is pain and crowding of the teeth. The wisdom teeth may push your other teeth out of alignment, grow sideways, put pressure on nerves, or crack adjacent teeth. More severe complications include jawbone cysts or infections that are potentially dangerous. Because it is hard to clean your wisdom teeth effectively due to their location, they are prone to cavities and gum disease.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?

You’ll rest in our office following the procedure until any anesthesia has worn off. At that time, you can go home to recover. Most people are back at work and their daily activities after 2-4 days. You may have some minor pain and swelling, but it should only last a few days. The older you are, the longer recovery takes.

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

You won’t feel any pain while your wisdom teeth are removed because you will be sedated. At Plainfield OMS, we have various options, including laughing gas, local anesthesia, and IV Sedation.

After surgery, there will be some bleeding, swelling, and mild discomfort. These are easy to control with prescription pain medication and ice packs. Most people have no pain by day four.