Answers to FAQs about Wisdom Tooth Removal

Answers to FAQS about Wisdom Tooth Removal Q: What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the 3rd and A: final set of molars to come in Most people They usually erupt between the ages of 17 have 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom and 25 Q: How do I know if I have wisdom teeth? A: Your dentist will take x-rays to see if you have wisdom teeth The x-rays will show how the About 35% of people don't ever get wisdom teeth teeth are positioned Q: Do I need my wisdom teeth removed? Your dentist will look at how A: the teeth are growing in Wisdom teeth can You may be sent to an oral surgeon for another opinion cause problems even if they grow in straight Q: What is an impacted wisdom tooth? A: Occurs when a tooth only partially breaks through the gums or not at all Impacted wisdom teeth They can lead to problems like infection and are very damage to surrounding teeth common Q: What happens during the removal procedure? You'll be numbed with a local A: anesthetic so you don't feel anything Your doctor may give you additional sedatives for comfort and relaxation The techniques used for removal depend on how your teeth are erupting Q: How do I recover from having my wisdom teeth removed? A: Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers to keep you comfortable Avoid lying flat, and prop yourself up with pillows Eat only soft foods for a few days after the procedure Follow your doctor's orders! Sources: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/wisdom-teeth http://c9.go2dental.com/ml_content/article_de- tail.php?art_id=489&subcat=7&cat=5 http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/no-wis- dom-teeth2.htm http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-tooth-extraction Provided by: Center for Oral & Facial Surgery www.oralsurgeonssandiego.com