For some people, the idea of getting wisdom teeth removed is terrifying. Wisdom teeth are your third molars that typically need to be removed so that they don’t cause any bacterial or over-crowding problems. The average age to get wisdom teeth removed is between 17 to 21 years old. I remember when I got my wisdom teeth removed. There was a good amount of anxiety leading up to the event. Here are some common myths about getting your wisdom teeth removed and the truth of what it’s like.
You know if you have wisdom teeth or not – FALSE
Some people believe the molars they are seeing are their wisdom teeth, when it might not be them. Your soft tissue and jawbone sometimes hide wisdom teeth. To show your wisdom teeth, you may need to get an X-ray. An X-ray is a good idea also to find out if there are any issues with the growth of the teeth, as well.
Wisdom teeth have no purpose – FALSE
Wisdom teeth are the same as other teeth. They make it easier to chew, which was even more critical before the upgrade of everyday eating utensils. These teeth still help break down chewy foods, like meat, that need a little extra work.
Everyone has to wisdom teeth removed – FALSE
For some people, your wisdom teeth don’t need to come out. Some people never have any over-crowding problems. According to a recent study, there are 10 million wisdom teeth removals for every five million people. Some instances where it’s wise to get your wisdom teeth removed include:
- Inflamed gums
- Jaw damage
- Decayed teeth
- Sinus problems
Everyone has wisdom teeth – FALSE
In reality, only around 65% of the population has wisdom teeth. Many individuals were born without wisdom teeth. Some people have wisdom teeth under their gums that never come up to the surface, causing no problems. The best way to make sure that you do have wisdom teeth that need to be removed is to talk to your dentist and take some X-rays when you’re 17-26 years old.
For any additional questions you may have, it’s important to ask a professional. Your friends at Gulf Coast Dental are here to help. Give us a call today!
