You’ve probably obtained information about wisdom teeth from your friends, family, dentists, or the latest post-wisdom-teeth-removal YouTube sensation. Among all of the information that has been circulated regarding wisdom teeth, it’s probably safe to say you’ve been told a few fibs or two. Let us help you clear the air with what is fact and what is fiction.
FICTION: Everyone is born with wisdom teeth.
It’s estimated that nearly 35% of the population is born without any wisdom teeth. You won’t know for sure if you have wisdom teeth, or not, until your dentist spots them on your x-rays when you’re between the ages of 17 and 25 years old.
FICTION: Wisdom teeth must always be extracted.
According to Huffington Post article, there are a variety of circumstances that must be evaluated first before deciding if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. Some of those circumstances include:
- Health of the second molars
- Health of the gums
- Age of the patient
- Potential dental crowding
- Health of sinuses
Even though nearly 10 million wisdom teeth are removed annually from 5 million individuals, webmd article states that 60% of those removals are not needed. Determine with oral surgeon if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you.
FACT: Smoothies are safe to consume after wisdom teeth removal.
Smoothies are a good source of sustenance post oral surgery. Two to three days after you get your wisdom teeth removed it is important for you to avoid consuming hard, spicy, or chewy foods. Because your incision area will be a little sore and sensitive, it’s best to eat soft foods like Jello, smoothies, yogurt, etc. Moreover, you should avoid using a straw when you drink any type of beverage three days following your oral surgery. Drinking from a straw could risk dislodging your clots in your sockets and could put you at risk for developing dry sockets.
FICTION: Wisdom teeth must be taken out before you get braces.
While there is some concern that wisdom teeth with cause your other teeth to shift, thus eliminating the effects of braces, the most recent studies have shown that this is rarely the case. Every case is different though, so it is important to consult your orthodontist and oral surgeon before making any decisions.
FACT: Wisdom teeth can be detected early on by your dentist.
Sometimes people do not know they have wisdom teeth until they see or feel them breaking through their gums. However, like all teeth, dentist or oral surgeons can detect if you have wisdom teeth or not, and can foresee any potential problems associated with their growth.
Deciding the timeline of when and if you need to get your wisdom teeth removed should be easy. If you live in the Raleigh area, contact Davis Oral Surgery or give us a call at 919-488-2194 and we can schedule you a consultation.