An average person experiences growth of wisdom teeth between 17 and 21 years. It’s considered a mature age. Therefore, these third molars are called wisdom teeth. Do you also believe that wisdom teeth removal is compulsory for everyone? And all wisdom teeth cause pain?
There are so many myths around the poor wisdom tooth and its extraction process. Let’s debunk 8 of them here!
8 Myths about Wisdom Teeth & the Opposing Reality
Learn facts about wisdom teeth, their removal procedure, and recovery, and never get misguided about it.
Myth #1: Everyone’s Wisdom Teeth Grow
Not necessarily! There are people whose wisdom teeth never erupt from their gums and remain underneath. Some experience 2 or 3 of the 4 wisdom teeth erupting, while others may experience none. It’s perfectly normal for wisdom teeth not to grow as long as you are not facing any oral health issues. In fact, 35% of people don’t have wisdom teeth.
Myth #2: Dry Sockets are Common during Wisdom Tooth Removal
Are you concerned about dry socket after your wisdom tooth removal? Contrary to what people believe, dry socket is extremely rare during wisdom tooth extraction. However, it’s good to know how to avoid dry socket.
Keep your oral health in good condition and don’t smoke or consume tobacco to prevent dry socket. If your surgery is complex or you have diabetes, the possibility of getting a dry socket during your recovery period increases.
Myth #3: Every Wisdom Tooth Needs to Be Extracted
Your wisdom teeth need to be removed only if there isn’t enough space to grow in your jaw and if they are impacted and growing abnormally, causing crowding and pain.
However, your third molars usually grow and don’t cause complications. In such a case, your dentist will not recommend the extraction.
Myth #4: Wisdom Tooth Extraction is Complicated & Can Cause Damage to Eyes
Wisdom tooth extraction is not one of the most complicated oral surgeries. It can be done under local anaesthesia at a dental clinic. Of course, it has its own complications being an invasive process, but nothing that a skilled and experienced dentist can’t handle and which can affect your eyesight.
It’s vital to act upon the recommendation of your dentist to get your wisdom teeth removed and not fall for these random assumptions.
Myth #5: Wisdom Teeth Do Nothing
There’s a strange reason behind this myth. Wisdom teeth are an important part of human evolution. Our ancestors used to eat a hard and raw diet that required more chewing and biting force. But now you have much softer food on your plate.
Plus, you have the utensils to cut and process your food. Therefore the extra third molars may seem functionless. However, wisdom teeth do the work of chewing like your other teeth.
Myth #6: All Four Wisdom Teeth Must Grow Before You Remove Any
As stated earlier, not everyone experiences eruption of all 4 wisdom teeth, and not everyone needs to remove the wisdom teeth. You may need only 1 or 2 wisdom teeth to be extracted. It’s not wise to put off wisdom teeth removal for all 4 to come if your current wisdom teeth are causing issues. It may prolong your wisdom teeth pain unnecessarily.
Myth #7: You Can Smoke & Drink in Limit after Extraction
Smoking and dental care never go hand in hand. So, believing that smoking and drinking are acceptable after the wisdom teeth removal would be a mistake. A minimum wait of 72 hours is required before smoking or drinking alcohol after the procedure. Otherwise, you could be at high risk of dry socket, pain, and other complications.
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Myth #8: It’s a Painful Surgery Which Requires You to be Awake
Dentists always make sure that you don’t feel pain during the surgery. They can give you local anaesthesia or put you to sleep during surgery. In any case, you won’t feel any pain. For your recovery period also, pain medications are prescribed to put you at ease.
Takeaway!
Wisdom teeth extraction is not a highly complex surgery for an experienced dentist. And it’s the only way for you to get rid of pain and discomfort caused due to impacted wisdom teeth. So don’t believe in any hearsay or myths regarding wisdom teeth. It can be detrimental to your dental health.
Always consult a licensed and experienced dentist for advice and information and rely on their recommendation.
