Dr. Derek Winegar and the expert team at City Creek Dental answer these frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth removal.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth. Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bites, and other problems.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
While our ancestors consumed tough meat, roots, and leaves, our modern-day diet no longer requires our teeth to stand up to these rugged foods. Because of this, research suggests that our jawlines have changed over time. It is believed that chewing tough foods during childhood stimulates jaw growth, creating a better chance for wisdom teeth to properly fit. Today, thanks to baby food and better preparation of foods, our reduced jaw size often leads to insufficient space for wisdom teeth to emerge correctly.
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
If wisdom teeth are causing a problem, this could mean that they are impacted. This happens when your wisdom teeth become trapped in your gums or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful, as well as harmful to your oral health. Symptoms are easy to spot: pain, inflammation, and some kinds of infections.
Many people need wisdom teeth removal to avoid future serious problems. In general, the lack of the four wisdom teeth does not hamper one’s ability to properly bite down, speak or eat.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, it’s essential to stick to a soft-food diet to promote healing and avoid discomfort. The best foods after wisdom teeth removal are mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, blended soups, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, oatmeal, soft pasta, and mashed or pureed fruits. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, carbonated beverages, and hot foods, as they can hinder the recovery process and cause irritation. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and contact them for any diet-related concerns.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the number of wisdom teeth and the severity of how impacted they are. Wisdom teeth removal can be essential to your oral health and comfort, especially if they are impacted. At City Creek Dental, we don’t want anyone to experience this discomfort, and that’s why we offer affordable wisdom teeth removal in Texas. Our team will go over financing options and create a treatment plan that works for you!
To schedule your wisdom teeth removal in Temple, TX, contact us today!
