Getting Wise on Wisdom Teeth

Everyone knows the famous saying “with age comes wisdom”. In this case, it’s with age comes wisdom teeth. As time goes on, our mouths go through a lot of changes. One such change is the appearance of the third set of molars that are more commonly known as wisdom teeth. But what are they?

Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth, what role they play, why people remove them and what to do if any pain is involved.

What are wisdom teeth and what are they for?

As we mentioned before, wisdom teeth are the third and final pair of molars that appear between the ages of 17 to 21. In some cases, these teeth may prove to be a valuable asset to a person’s mouth if it’s aligned the right way and healthy. However, in most cases, these teeth are often misaligned and can cause unnecessary problems. Interestingly, some anthropologists speculate that wisdom teeth are an evolutionary answer to our ancestors' diet, which was comprised of rough foods such as nuts, roots and meats.

Why do people get their wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone has a reason to get their wisdom teeth removed, but a dentist in Boise will most likely recommend you do before they become painful. Of course, there are rare cases where a person doesn’t have wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth need to be removed if one or more these changes occur:

  • Infections
  • Cysts
  • Tooth Decay
  • Gum Disease
  • Damage to your other teeth
  • Pain

A dentist in Boise is also suggest having wisdom teeth removed if braces or another form of dental treatment is planned.

What to do if there is pain?

If your wisdom teeth are painful, then obviously they need to be extracted. Some people who are afraid of having them removed opt to take painkillers and other medication to alleviate or at the very least, dull the pain. However, as the teeth continue to push their way through the gum, the pain will likely increase. When wisdom teeth grow in, they push the teeth beside them in order to make room for them, which is how the misalignment occurs.

When armed with the right information, having your wisdom teeth removed doesn't need to be painful or frightening. Lowry Dental understands how scary it can be and is here to help! Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Boise by calling our number at 208-377-0410 today!

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