As you grow, your mouth changes. One of the bigger dental milestones that patients experience between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of wisdom teeth. You may have heard it before- when your wisdom teeth erupt, you should get them extracted, or else they could cause you problems. The truth is, however, that not everyone requires wisdom teeth extraction in Livonia. In fact, there are lots of myths out there about wisdom teeth. In this blog, our team at Majestic Dentist debunks some myths about wisdom teeth and supplies you with the facts instead.
Myth 1: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth
The truth is, not all people get wisdom teeth. Some people have wisdom teeth that stay below their gums and never erupt. Other individuals may only have a couple of their wisdom teeth erupt, and some just don’t have any wisdom teeth, to begin with.
It may surprise you to find out that almost 35% of the population was born without wisdom teeth. You won’t know for sure if you have them until your dentist near you takes x-rays to determine if they are developing.
Myth 2: Everyone Must Get Their Wisdom Teeth Extracted
While wisdom teeth extraction near you is a common procedure, it isn’t always necessary. Many individuals believe that if they don’t remove their wisdom teeth, they will cause crowding or pain, but this is not always the case.
Although wisdom teeth can contribute to pain and crowding, some individuals never experience any problems with their wisdom teeth and therefore don’t need them removed.
Myth 3: It is Dangerous to Remove Wisdom Teeth
If it is determined that you need your wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic about the procedure. While all medical procedures carry inherent risks, wisdom teeth extraction is a very safe and common procedure. Your dentist in Livonia will be sure to go over any risks about the procedure with you beforehand and address any concerns or questions you may have to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe moving forward with the procedure.
Myth 4: Removing Wisdom Teeth Early is not Always Better
Your wisdom teeth become more challenging to remove as you get older, leading to longer and more extensive surgical procedures and a longer healing time. Wisdom teeth are easier to extract when you are younger because the surrounding supporting bone structures are softer, the roots haven’t completely anchored, and there is an overall smaller risk of damaging nearby nerves and structures.
While you can get wisdom teeth removed at an older age, the procedure can be more complicated, so it is best to remove them while you are young.
Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Eat Ice Cream and Milkshakes After Your Extraction
Don’t let this fool you! Soft and cold foods like milkshakes and ice cream are excellent to eat after tooth extraction! They are easier to ingest, and since they are cold, they soothe the pain and swelling in your mouth. Additionally, foods such as ice cream, cottage cheese, and yogurt are packed with vitamins and protein to aid with tissue healing. Just avoid drinking your milkshake with a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clots necessary for healing.
Now that you know the reality of wisdom tooth extraction, hopefully, you feel less nervous if your dentist tells you that you may need to undergo this procedure. If you have any further questions about wisdom teeth, please feel free to contact our team at Majestic Dentist. We are happy to help in any way we can!