Preparing To Have Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out Part 1
So, you recently went to the dentist and they said it is time to have your wisdom teeth extracted. You might be thinking, “what are wisdom teeth?” and “why do they need to be removed?” Well, in this blog, we will give you a run-down of what wisdom teeth are, why they need to be taken out, and what you need to do to prepare for the extraction.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth received their name because they are the last molars to emerge in your mouth. Because they arrive so late in your life, the expectation is that you are “wiser” with age. Wisdom teeth are a product of human evolution and the reason we need them taken out is also a result of our species changing over time. In the time of our ancestors, the human mouth was much larger and wider, and could support more molars. However, as our species has aged, our mouths have grown smaller, especially due to the fact that we no longer have to hunt for our food. Since our mouths are smaller, our molars can become crowded in our mouth. Over time, the wisdom teeth have been pushed in awkward positions, perpendicular to our other teeth. Though we do not need our wisdom teeth anymore, genetically the teeth are passed down from generation to generation.
Why Do We Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Though it might sound like a good idea to ignore your wisdom teeth, they can cause more problems when left in your mouth. For example, when you have too many teeth in your mouth, you can feel uncomfortable and experience oral pain. With so many teeth in your mouth, your teeth could also become overcrowding and push against each other. This can also cause intense jaw pain, crooked teeth, and tooth decay. Also, if your wisdom teeth have grown in sideways, you are at a heightened risk of bacteria growing in between your wisdom teeth and your regular teeth. Between the two teeth, bacteria can grow in the small crevice and cause incredible damage to your smile.
Preparing For The Extraction
If you have wisdom teeth that need to be taken out, don’t worry. Your local dentist in Jenkintown has plenty of experience extracting wisdom teeth. Luckily, wisdom teeth extractions are very common, which means that most oral surgeons are adept to handle. All you have to really think about when you have your wisdom teeth taken out is what you should eat, and who will take you from your appointment.
When you have your wisdom teeth taken out you have the choice of being conscious or unconscious for the procedure. However, no matter your choice, you will need someone to pick you up from your appointment. Without a guardian to watch you after the procedure, no dental office will allow you to have your wisdom teeth removed.
When you have your wisdom teeth removed, you will also have to follow a strict diet of only soft, non-chewable foods. If you would like some guidelines of what you should eat or prepare for your surgery click here.
Chess & Taub Family Dentistry
If you are in need to have your wisdom teeth pulled out, or you need an emergency dentist, Chess & Taub Family Dentistry in Jenkintown, PA can help you. If you need immediate dental services, don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment with our oral surgeon today!