Imagine for a moment: spring break is coming quickly, and you can’t wait for the trip to the beach with your friends. A week of no classes and fun in the sun awaits. Then, slowly but surely, a toothache creeps up in the back of your mouth. At first, you don’t think much of it, but after a while it gets so bad while you are on vacation that you can’t even enjoy your time or relax like you are supposed to! Wisdom tooth pain strikes again!
Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper planning and evaluation of your wisdom teeth at Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, your wisdom tooth worries could be over before they even begin!
What are Wisdom Teeth?
You may have heard plenty about wisdom teeth in the past, likely in the form of horror stories, but wisdom teeth don’t have to be scary! Wisdom teeth, or third molars, get their name from when they typically appear in most young adults and tend to be the most commonly impacted teeth.1 Between the ages of 17 and 25 (the time when we were once thought to gain more wisdom in our lives), your wisdom teeth begin to come through your gums behind your second molars in the very back of your mouth.2 That is, as long as you have enough room!
The issue with wisdom teeth tends to be in how they come into the mouth, or if there is room for them in the first place. If your third molars come in crooked, or if there is overcrowding in the back of the mouth as is the case with a high percentage of individuals, the teeth can become impacted, leading to pain, damage to adjacent teeth, and even infection: issues you do NOT want to deal with on a beach week getaway!2,3 Luckily for you, removal of third molars to prevent or treat impaction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures around with wisdom tooth extractions accounting for nearly 18% of all dental related extractions.3
It’s Only February! Why worry about them now?
As we have seen, putting off wisdom tooth evaluations can lead to some very real issues at inopportune times. Spring break tends to be a very busy time for wisdom tooth extractions for many oral surgeons due to individuals coming of age scheduling procedures during their time home from college or out of school. However, the great thing about wisdom tooth procedures with an expert like Dr. Polyakov is that they can take place before symptoms ever exist!
Dr. Polyakov and his team are highly experienced in evaluating wisdom teeth and the space available within the mouth, allowing for making decisions about extractions before symptoms ever begin! Since spring break is right around the corner, taking time this month to have your wisdom tooth consultation can give you the inside track not only to prime scheduling, but it even allows for more advanced planning, giving you time to enjoy fun times with friends without worrying about those sneaky issues in the back of your mouth!
Let’s Talk Teeth!
Be wise with your wisdom teeth, and let our team evaluate your smile before it becomes a problem! Schedule your consultation today and set yourself up not only for a fun and exciting spring break season, but for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles to come!
FAQ About Wisdom Tooth Removal
1. What exactly are wisdom teeth and when do they usually appear?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, although timing can vary. Some people have enough space for them to erupt normally, but many do not.
2. Why do wisdom teeth sometimes cause problems?
Problems usually occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth to come in properly. This can cause them to grow at an angle, remain partially trapped under the gums (impacted), or crowd nearby teeth. These situations can lead to pain, infection, swelling, or damage to neighboring teeth.
3. Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
Not always. If wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and properly positioned, they may not need removal. However, many people benefit from an evaluation to determine whether they are likely to cause problems. Dentists and oral surgeons can often identify issues before symptoms begin.
4. Why should I have my wisdom teeth checked before spring break?
Spring break is a common time for wisdom tooth symptoms to flare up — especially if teeth are partially erupted or impacted. Scheduling an evaluation early allows time for planning treatment if needed and helps reduce the risk of unexpected pain or infection during travel or vacation.
5. What are the benefits of addressing wisdom teeth before symptoms start?
Early evaluation allows your oral surgeon to monitor development, assess available space, and recommend treatment if needed. Planning ahead helps you choose a convenient time for care, avoid emergency situations, and minimize disruption to school, work, or travel plans.
References
- Ryalat S, AlRyalat SA, Kassob Z, Hassona Y, Al-Shayyab MH, Sawair F. Impaction of lower third molars and their association with age: radiological perspectives. BMC Oral Health. 2018;18:58. doi:10.1186/s12903-018-0519-1
- Renton T. Problems with erupting wisdom teeth: signs, symptoms, and management. Br J Gen Pract.2016;66(649):e606-e608. doi:10.3399/bjgp16X686509
- Muhsin H, Perry M. Extraction of mandibular third molars. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
