Wisdom Teeth

When people hear "wisdom teeth" they might associate the term with painful extractions and swollen "chipmunk" cheeks. While wisdom teeth extractions are not painless, they are often necessary to prevent serious health problems. The development of these molars happen around age 17 to 21, and most adults do not have enough room for them, causing impaction.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause movement in your teeth alignment, decay, and even cysts and tumors. Because of these complications, and the fact that nine out of ten adults will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, wisdom teeth removal is a common practice.

If you have your wisdom teeth removed, the recovery time will vary depending on how many are removed and how quickly your gums heal. It usually doesn't take longer than about one week. Try to avoid foods with jagged edges that can puncture the affected area. Eat soft foods whenever possible, and don't forget to take any prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.

Visit our site to learn more about wisdom teeth and why, in some cases, they need to be removed.