Wisdom teeth. They’ve been the source of many a TikTok video featuring some poor kid coming out of an oral surgery office with chipmunk cheeks and a face full of gauze.

But what are wisdom teeth, and do they always need to be removed?

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about third molars so you can make a fully informed decision about your third molars. We’re also happy to help you find the right surgeon for your wisdom tooth extractions in Orlando, FL.

Let’s dive in!

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that are usually fully or almost fully formed by the time a person is about 18 to 20 years old.

The dominant theory about why we have them is that humans used to have a much tougher diet and we needed the extra chewing power. We may also have been more prone to losing and breaking teeth, so the backup set that came in later in life may have functioned as replacements.

We also know that ancient humans used to have much larger jaws, so we probably had plenty of space for wisdom teeth.

As our diets have become more refined and easier to chew, our jaws have become lighter and smaller. So most people today don’t have room for wisdom teeth.

However, there are still cases when a person may have plenty of space to accommodate an extra set of molars. Provided they’re formed normally and come in at the correct angle, these lucky few can keep their wisdom teeth.

Unfortunately for most of us, those cases are relatively few and far between.

Why Do Dentists Recommend Getting Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

At Lake Baldwin Dental, our philosophy is to keep treatments as conservative as possible while doing what we can to prevent problems from developing down the road. We don’t believe in a blanket recommendation for everyone to get their wisdom teeth out without taking a careful look at your unique bone structure and dentition.

If you’re the parent or guardian of a teen, or you never got your wisdom teeth extracted, you might wonder whether we would recommend the surgery, and why.

In many cases, wisdom teeth do not develop in the proper position to come in normally.

They may be tilted, causing them to become impacted or stuck below the gums. As they grow, they’ll start to press on neighboring teeth, which can cause serious damage.

Impacted wisdom teeth can damage the roots, nerves, and blood supply of otherwise healthy second molars. They can also form cysts that eat away at the bone of the jaw and even cause infections.

In many cases, wisdom teeth will partially emerge from the gums without fully erupting. This creates a trap where food debris and bacteria can build up in the pocket of tissue, causing the wisdom tooth to become decayed and even cause an abscess.

Even if the wisdom teeth do erupt fully without getting stuck, they create a lot of pressure that can cause the rest of your teeth to shift, causing crowding and problems with your bite.

In short, wisdom teeth are more trouble than they’re worth for most people.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

• Prevent cysts from forming within the jawbone.
• Prevent damage to otherwise healthy molars.
• Eliminate potential sources of infection and decay.
• Reduce forces that can cause teeth to shift and become misaligned.
• Wisdom teeth are very hard to keep clean, so removing them can prevent plaque buildup that can increase decay risks in other areas of the mouth.
• Resolve sources of jaw pain and facial discomfort.

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Removing wisdom teeth can happen in several different ways, depending on the specifics of your case.

If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted but causing issues with oral hygiene or tooth crowding, taking them out will probably be a straightforward process. We may even be able to do it right here in the same family dental practice you already know and love!

If your tooth is partially erupted, but stuck under the gums, we may be able to remove it here or we may recommend seeing a periodontist or oral surgeon in Orlando, FL. To remove these teeth, we’ll need to remove some of the gum tissue to access the tooth.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, we’ll probably refer you to a surgeon to ensure you get specialized care. They’ll carefully access the tooth and may remove it in one piece or make it easier to remove in smaller pieces.

In any case, you’ll always rest comfortably throughout your procedure with the right sedation and pain control solutions for your needs.

Is It Risky to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Like any medical procedure, wisdom tooth extractions can have some risks. However, it is a routine procedure, and the benefits far outweigh the risks for almost all patients.

Before we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, we’ll take thorough scans of your anatomy to confirm that your level of risk is low. In rare cases, such as a wisdom tooth that sits too close to the nerve of the lower jaw, we may determine that it’s better to leave them in place and monitor them closely with regular x-rays.

Risks of wisdom teeth removal include:

• Dry socket. This is a complication that can happen after any tooth extraction, where the clot that protects the healing tissue is lost. Without the clot, the site can become painful, and might collect debris that can increase infection risks. However, this condition is temporary and can be treated to decrease discomfort.
• Pain and swelling. We’ve all seen pictures and videos of people with swollen jaws after wisdom tooth surgery. It varies greatly from person to person, but some amount of swelling and discomfort in the first several days is common.
• Jaw tightness. Many people experience tightness in the jaws or limited ability to open their mouth. Again, this is a temporary condition and we have many methods for helping it resolve quickly.
• Infection. It’s very rare for wisdom tooth extractions to lead to infection, but it can happen. If so, your oral surgeon or dentist will prescribe an antibiotic to resolve the issue.

There are two slightly more serious issues that can happen in rare cases.

1. Nerve injury. Because the lower molars sit close to a large nerve in the jaw, there are rare cases when the nerve might become injured when the tooth is removed. This can lead to tingling or numbness on the lower lip, tongue, chin, gums, or lower area of the cheek.
   In most cases, symptoms are temporary and will resolve in a few weeks to a few months.
   Modern 3D dental scanners like our CBCT scanner at Lake Baldwin Dental have significantly reduced this risk because we’re able to get precision information about how close the nerve is to the tooth, and can decide how to proceed accordingly.
2. Sinus opening. For upper wisdom teeth, there is a very slight risk of damaging the floor of the sinus, which sits very close to the roots of the upper teeth. It’s very rare, but this damage can cause an opening between the sinus and the tooth socket.
   If it does happen, it should close on its own, although you should avoid blowing your nose for several days to allow the tissue to heal.

The best way to decrease your risks for both of these complications is to take wisdom teeth out as early as possible. The longer the wisdom teeth are allowed to linger, the bigger they get and the closer they’ll grow to other structures like the sinus or the nerve of the jaw.

That’s why we will usually recommend getting wisdom teeth removed before going away to college. It’s a perfect time developmentally, and it prevents the very high likelihood that it will get forgotten in the transition to college life.

Still Not Sure? Talk to Us!

As always, if you have any questions about whether you should start thinking about wisdom tooth extractions, we’re here for you!

We’re more than happy to discuss any concerns and set you up with the right treatment for your specific needs.

If your teen is overdue for a regular cleaning or x-rays, call us! We can evaluate their third molars and let you know if and when to schedule a procedure. Keep smiling, Orlando!