Wisdom teeth usually erupt in the upper and lower jaws behind all the other teeth. Because they're not needed for chewing, dentists will often recommend extracting them before or shortly after they start coming in. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth and what to do when they appear. 

4 FAQ About Wisdom Teeth

What exactly are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth is a colloquial name for the third molars since they erupt when people begin to attain wisdom (typically 15 to 17). These third molars were a necessity in times before dental hygiene and before modern diets, when people would often lose teeth and need molars to chew the game they hunted. Now, they do not serve as much of a purpose, and you can live a perfectly normal life without them. 

Does everyone grow them?

Many people do. Typically, there are four molars that will grow, two upper and two lower. Some people grow all four, some grow only two, and some people don't grow any. 

What are the symptoms?

Some people may not have any noticeable symptoms. Others may notice tenderness or swelling of the gums, or even jaw pain. If you have more than mild swelling or discomfort, you should make an appointment to see a dentist to make sure there isn't an abscess or infection present. 

Do you have to have them removed?

Today, many dentists take a "wait and see" approach to whether to remove wisdom teeth. If they grow asymptomatically and are not crowding against other teeth, there is often little harm in leaving them be. If the wisdom teeth are growing into the jaw or not erupting properly, they will need to be surgically.

Younger people, such as those in their late teens and early twenties, heal better and faster from wisdom teeth removal. Likewise, it is always better to do it as early as possible, before any additional problems have time to develop. Schedule the surgery for at least a week before school or work activities so that the patient will have adequate time to heal from the procedure.

If you are looking for a dentist for the whole family, Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, or Waukon Dental can help. They offer a wide range of treatments and procedures, including cosmetic dentistry, tooth extractions, oral exams and more. To learn more about their dentists and services at their three locations, visit them online.