In the dental world, wisdom teeth are perhaps the most misunderstood things — most people tend to have common misconceptions about them! Do they always come in sets of four? Do they need to be extracted? Does everyone have them? Talking to a wisdom teeth dentist can help you know the answer to these questions. But we’ll get you covered as we compile 10 myths about these teeth that you should know.
Myth No. 1: They always come in sets of four
While it’s true that wisdom teeth usually show up in sets of four (one in each corner of your mouth), there are cases when only three, two, or even one comes out.
Myth No. 2: Everyone has wisdom teeth
In rare instances, some people aren’t even born with wisdom teeth at all! In fact, approximately 35 percent of the world population don’t have this set of teeth.
Myth No. 3: They come out during the late teenage years
Wisdom teeth show up between the age of 15 and 25. Although many people get their wisdom teeth during their late teens, this set of teeth can still come out even when you’re already in your 20s.
Myth No. 4: Wisdom teeth should be extracted before undergoing a dental treatment
Though this one is generally recommended — as they can cause the shifting of neighboring teeth, some orthodontic works don’t require the removal of your wisdom teeth.
Myth No. 5: All dentists can extract wisdom teeth
Generally, dentists can perform tooth extractions. But a wisdom teeth dentist and an oral surgeon are needed if the involved teeth are your wisdom teeth. These experts are trained to perform so-called oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Myth No. 6: Removing your wisdom teeth is harmful
There are people who are afraid of getting their wisdom teeth removed — even when they’re qualified to do so. This procedure is fairly safe. If you choose to avoid this surgery and you have impacted wisdom teeth, it can cause infection and affect nearby teeth.
Myth No. 7: Wisdom teeth removal won’t affect your other teeth
If your wisdom teeth were recommended to be extracted, studies have found out that the health of the adjacent teeth can actually significantly improve.
Myth No. 8: You can’t eat anything after extraction
You can consume food, but keep in mind that you have to avoid eating hard foods. Consult with your oral surgeon about the foods that you can eat after the extraction.
Myth No. 9: You’d know if your wisdom teeth have already come out
While the coming out of wisdom teeth is usually accompanied by pain (helping people know they have already shown up), there are situations when one can’t even feel they already have wisdom teeth. They even need to undergo an x-ray to reveal their hidden teeth.
Myth No. 10: Wisdom teeth have no purpose
It’s not entirely true the wisdom teeth are functionless. A wisdom teeth dentist would know that these were once needed back when humans are still consuming coarse and rough food. Over time, foods have become generally softer so their prime function isn’t much felt nowadays.
Our wisdom teeth dentist at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery can help pull your impacted wisdom teeth. Contact us today to set an appointment.