In recent years, wisdom teeth removal has shifted from a necessary surgery to one that many patients are choosing to skip. While some people may choose to have their wisdom teeth removed, others may choose not to. The reasons vary, but they usually include things like financial constraints or a general fear of the procedure. There are a number of myths about wisdom teeth that you might be falling for if you’re planning to get them removed. We’ve taken the time to debunk five common myths about wisdom teeth removal. Keep on reading to learn more!
THERE IS NO PURPOSE TO WISDOM TEET
Teeth always have a purpose: they help us chew up food. Granted, nowadays, we have utensils to cut our food and have plenty of other teeth to help with that, but wisdom teeth can help us more. Although you don't need to have your wisdom teeth, there is still a purpose to them if you do. For some, wisdom teeth also provide a place for the jaw to grow as the person increases in height throughout their 20s and 30s.
WISDOM TEETH HAVE TO BE REMOVED AT A YOUNG AGE
You can remove your wisdom teeth at any point in your life. You can choose to do this while you are young or wait until you are older. However, once they start to cause pain, you should go ahead with the removal process. Ignoring the pain and delaying the procedure may cause other issues like migraines or shifting of your other teeth.
ALL WISDOM TEETH NEED TO COME IN BEFORE HAVING THEM REMOVED
This is false! You can have your wisdom teeth removed even if they are not fully through your gums yet. This is when your wisdom teeth are still impacted. You may have a longer recovery time from this wisdom teeth removal surgery since they will have to cut into your gums, but it can still be done.
IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO FULLY RECOVER
This one depends on the person, however, most people fully recover within three to four days. Keep in mind that if your wisdom teeth are fully impacted, or your dentist needs to break through the gum to get them out, you may have a longer recovery. However long your recovery is, you should always follow your dentist's instructions post-removal to ensure a speedy recovery.
EVERYONE HAS TO REMOVE THEIR WISDOM TEETH
No! Not everyone even has wisdom teeth. If your teeth are not causing any issues or are not in your mouth, they will not need to be removed. It's always a good idea to talk to your dentist and get yourself familiarized about any potential issues if your wisdom teeth did eventually come in and start to cause discomfort.
READY TO REMOVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH?
While the idea of having surgery to remove wisdom teeth might scare you, it’s important to understand the procedure, risks and recovery time before you decide whether or not to have the teeth removed. By choosing the right dentist to do the job, you will have a quick and easy recovery after the procedure. If you're ready to move forward with wisdom teeth in Prince George or would like to learn more about the procedure, feel free to contact us today.