Bye-Bye Wisdom Teeth: Your Guide to Wisdom Tooth Removal in Columbia, SC

You’ve probably heard an older sibling or friend talking about getting their wisdom teeth removed. Or maybe you’ve seen those viral videos of people feeling loopy and saying funny things post-anesthesia. 

Yes, we’re talking about the “Is this real life?” kid…

And the woman who thought she was Hannah Montana. 

But you might be asking yourself—what exactly are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars that are located at the top and bottom back corners of your mouth. They represent the final four of your 32 permanent adult teeth—though not everyone gets them.

In fact, about 25% of people today are missing at least one wisdom tooth completely.

And that probably includes some of you living in the Columbia, SC community.

Yet, of those who have them, the strong majority will have them pulled at some point. 

If that’s the case, then you might be wondering why we even have wisdom teeth—and if we have them, why so many people get them removed. But don’t worry, we’ll teach you all you need to know below!

Wisdom Teeth: Why Do We Have Them? 

In order to understand why we have wisdom teeth, we’ll have to travel back millions of years to the time when early humans developed those extra molars to help chew the rough, uncooked food they could find. 

So, if you’re wondering why we have wisdom teeth, it’s because we used to need them. 

Since our earliest ancestors primarily lived off rough foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat, they needed these stronger teeth to withstand the wear and tear of their diet—and they certainly served their purpose. 

Of course, that’s just one of the many theories anthropologists are exploring today. 

Another theory, presented by geneticists, links jaw characteristics to the size of an individual’s brain through a gene known as MYH16, which is believed to contribute to a stronger, more functional jaw.

While there’s still some mystery to why we have wisdom teeth, what’s clear is that we used to have a need for them and they used to serve their purpose—but all good things must come to an end, right? 

Wisdom Teeth Removal: When Is Surgery Necessary?

There are a lot of reasons why someone might have their wisdom teeth removed, but one of the most common reasons is because modern humans simply don’t have enough room in their mouth for them. 

This was never an issue with our ancestors, who had much larger jaws back then. 

But as we learned how to cook food, the food we ate got softer and easier to eat. Over time, the need for larger jaws and extra, stronger teeth was reduced—and jaws evolved to accommodate the modern diet. 

Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons wisdom teeth removal is necessary today: 

• Impaction, which means the teeth are present, but are trapped and never fully emerge
• Overcrowding, which occurs when there’s insufficient space in the jaw for the teeth
• Pressure or pain in the back of the mouth due to partially erupted or impacted teeth
• Infections or gum disease as a result of partially-erupted wisdom teeth
• Hard-to-reach wisdom teeth are more prone to cavities and can affect neighboring teeth
• Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts, damaging the jawbone and surrounding teeth

With that said, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people are lucky enough to develop wisdom teeth that don’t cause complications—and they won’t need removal surgery.

Before, During, After: What to Expect With Surgery

The first step in the process is determining a need and forming a treatment plan. 

During the initial consultation, your dentist will have you describe any pain, swelling, or discomfort you’re experiencing, while also inspecting the area and looking for signs of impaction, crowding, or infection.

X-ray imaging shows where the teeth are positioned and how developed they are. 

If your dentist finds that your wisdom teeth are impacted, misaligned, or positioned in a way that could harm nearby nerves, sinuses, or other structures, then they’ll recommend wisdom teeth removal surgery.

Leading Up to Surgery Day

Your dentist will give you a set of very clear and precise pre-op instructions that you must follow closely. 

These instructions will tell you what you can eat, drink, and do in the days and weeks leading up to the operation. Not following these instructions can result in complications during or after the procedure. 

Here are some of the things your doctor might include on that list: 

• Schedule time off work or school to give yourself time to recover
• Make sure you have someone with you who can drive you home afterward
• Don’t eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment
• No smoking for at least 12 hours prior to surgery
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to the surgery
• Let your doctor know if you take any medications

As you prepare for surgery, maintain an open dialogue with your dentist and don’t hesitate to ask them any questions that come to mind. We’ll do whatever we can to make sure you’re confident on surgery day.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

You wake up, and it’s procedure day—first things first, take a big, deep breath. 

We understand this isn’t the most exciting moment of your life, but it’ll be over before you know it and you’ll have a team of doctors—as well as your friends and family—ready to support you through it all.

With that said, here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect during surgery: 

1. You’ll receive anesthesia or laughing gas, as directed by your dentist
2. Your surgeon will begin numbing the wisdom tooth and gums 
3. Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth
4. Bone around the tooth may be removed
5. The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier extraction
6. The site is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to promote healing

Don’t worry—the procedure usually only takes 45 minutes to an hour. And thanks to anesthesia and other medication, pain and discomfort is minimal throughout the duration of the surgery—it’ll be over in no time!

Post-op & Aftercare Instructions

When the surgery is done, you’ll be taken out of sedation and into a recovery room to rest. 

Minor bleeding, pain, discomfort, and swelling are all common in the first 24-48 hours. Most people can return to work and normal activities after a few days and total recovery time generally takes 1-2 weeks.

Here are some tips for successful recovery: 

• Bite gently on gauze to help reduce bleeding
• Take prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medications as directed
• Apply an ice pack to the cheeks in 15-20 minute intervals for the first 24 hours
• Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (without a straw)
• Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid brushing near the extraction site for the first 24 hours
• Avoid mouthwash with alcohol until healing is complete
• Avoid smoking or using straws until the affected area heals

Once your mouth fully heals, you’ll be able to eat and speak as if the surgery never even happened. If complications do arise, your dentist will put together a treatment plan to improve results and quality of life.

Soda City Dentistry: Say Bye-Bye to Those Pesky Wisdom Teeth!

Are you starting to feel those pesky third molars forming in the back of your mouth? Are you starting to experience pain or discomfort as a result? Do you worry that they’re causing overcrowding in your mouth? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then oh boy, do we have what you’re looking for. 

With that, we’d like to welcome you to Soda City Dentistry—Columbia, SC’s top-rated dentist.

We understand how much your nerves come into play when wisdom tooth removal comes into play, but we’re here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about—your teeth are in good hands at Soda City. 

‍Feel free to contact us today at (803)-794-5430 to see if wisdom tooth removal is necessary for you!