Wisdom Teeth Faqs
Posted on 10/15/2025 by Dr. Scherer |
 Welcome! I'm Dr. Scherer, an oral surgeon, and I'm here to answer your frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They're usually the last teeth to erupt, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not necessarily. Some people have wisdom teeth that erupt normally and don't cause any problems. However, many others experience issues with their wisdom teeth, such as:
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Impaction: This is when the wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to grow in properly and becomes stuck in the jawbone. |
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Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and orthodontic problems. |
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Infection: Food and bacteria can get trapped around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to infection. |
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Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop around wisdom teeth, causing pain and damage to the jawbone. |
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Tumors: In rare cases, tumors can develop around wisdom teeth. |
If you're experiencing any of these problems with your wisdom teeth, it's important to see an oral surgeon for evaluation. They will be able to determine if extraction is the best course of action.
What are the benefits of wisdom teeth removal?
There are several benefits to removing wisdom teeth, including:
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Preventing future problems: By removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems, you can avoid complications like infection, pain, and damage to other teeth. |
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Improving oral hygiene: Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Removing them makes it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy. |
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Preventing crowding: Removing wisdom teeth can help to prevent crowding and orthodontic problems. |
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Improving overall oral health: Wisdom teeth removal can improve your overall oral health by preventing problems that can affect your other teeth and gums. |
What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal carries some risks. These include:
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Infection: Although rare, infection can occur after wisdom teeth removal. |
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Dry socket: This is a condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site becomes dislodged, causing pain and delayed healing. |
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Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerve damage can occur during surgery, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the lip, tongue, or chin. |
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Bleeding: Excessive bleeding can occur after surgery, but this is usually preventable with proper care. |
Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery and will take steps to minimize them.
What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you can expect some swelling and pain. Your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage discomfort. You will also need to follow a soft diet for a few days and avoid strenuous activity. Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal within a week.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the location of your oral surgeon, and your insurance coverage. It's important to discuss the cost with your oral surgeon before surgery.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can help prevent future problems and improve your oral health. If you're experiencing any problems with your wisdom teeth, talk to your oral surgeon to see if extraction is the right choice for you.
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