Debunking 4 Common Myths Surrounding Wisdom Teeth and Their Extraction Posted: March 21, 2023 @ 1:25 am

What are Third Molars?

Wisdom teeth. That is the shortest answer to this question, but elaborating on it, third molars, a formal name for wisdom teeth, are the last permanent adult teeth your gums will ever hold. Located at the back of your upper and lower jaw, they erupt together or individually between the ages of 17 and 25. But for some, it can even erupt in their 40s or 50s.

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and for those who do; the teeth might stay with you for a lifetime without bothering you. The other case scenario such as overcrowding, tooth decay, gum disease, and infections is that you might need to undergo wisdom teeth removal in San Antonio or wherever you reside since an impacted third molar can cause several oral problems, including gum disease, cavities, and others.

Now that you know what adult teeth (another name for third molar or wisdom teeth) are, let’s get on with busting some myths surrounding these teeth and their extraction.

Misbeliefs Concerning Adult Teeth and Their Removal

Dentists at leading dental clinics like Ziva Dental (located in San Antonio) are tired of hearing statements concerning wisdom teeth and their extraction that don’t make sense. Some of them are.

Third Molars are Essential For Chewing

Well, they were, but not are. This goes down to ancient times when those teeth were important to properly chew, crush, and eating raw meals as there was no way to soften the raw and hard food available naturally. But with time, human beings evolved, and so did this myth.

Scientists and most medical professionals today consider these teeth a nonessential feature of our mouth, even if they have the same functionalities as our remaining teeth. It is because mankind today uses all the methods, including cooking and using cutleries, to consume food in bits and pieces, ultimately decreasing the importance of wisdom teeth regarding chewing.

Everyone Needs to Undergo Wisdom Teeth Removal

The words everyone and wisdom teeth removal is senseless together. It is impossible to globalize wisdom teeth extraction since not everyone develops those teeth. While a decent global population has erupted third molars, only those with impacted third molars or those causing oral problems need removal. Some reasons you might need to undergo a tooth extraction in San Antonio or visit your dentist for wisdom teeth without delay are.

Damage to the gums because of improper eruptions of wisdom teeth
In case they are harming the adjoining teeth
You notice symptoms of gum issues, cavities, or tooth decay

Until some of these issues pop up, relax and enjoy the sight of your wisdom teeth in a mirror. Remember, wisdom teeth extraction is not necessary; the situation makes it necessary.

It is Important to Extract All Four Wisdom Teeth Together

We know you have an excellent pain-bearing capacity, but you don’t need to bear the pain of one wisdom tooth until all four erupt. 1 to 4 can be a long way, or it can only be 1!

It simply means that it is not necessary for all the wisdom teeth to erupt together or for each to cause problems. While one may get the space it requires, another may not. While three are perfectly erupted and will cause no oral issues, the fourth may be impacted and need an immediate extraction to prevent further complications.

There is even a possibility of a person developing only one, two, or three teeth. So, considering all case probabilities, your dentist at Ziva Dental might advise you only to remove the problematic teeth as necessary while leaving the ones that work perfectly fine.

The Surgery is Long and Painful

Yet another generalized myth. The reality is that the duration of wisdom teeth extraction surgery depends on the number of teeth that need removal, whether they are impacted, the overall oral hygiene, and the patient’s condition. Before conducting either a 30-minute or 2-hour long surgery, the dentist will examine your health and take necessary precautions to prevent any after-effect or mid-surgery complications.

As far as the pain is concerned, rest assured the surgeon will let anaesthesia come into effect before starting the surgery. The anaesthesia dose allows painless surgery as it numbs the surgical area. Additionally, many patients report only minor discomfort or pain after the surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Therefore, it is best to bear the pain that will recover your oral health rather than the one worsening it.

Book Your Dental Appointment Today!

If you have swollen gums or painful teeth, it might result from impacted wisdom teeth. It’s best to give them the dental attention they need by booking an appointment with an established dental clinic like Ziva Dental or the best dentist in your area, city, or state.

Remember, if untreated, it can lead to braces, tooth loss or decay of teeth, damage jawbone, and multiple oral complications. Though we stress the need to treat complex or painful wisdom teeth, the choice is yours!

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Ziva Dental

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