Wisdom Teeth Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Wisdom teeth are surrounded by many misconceptions. From why they exist to what happens when they’re removed, it’s easy to get confused by all the conflicting information. Getting the straight story from experienced oral surgeons is an important step in making the best decision for your oral health. Let’s review some of the biggest myths that we hear from patients so you can feel confident about your wisdom teeth treatment plan.

Myth #1: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth

Not true! Some people are born with all four wisdom teeth, while others have more and others have fewer—or none at all. It all depends on your genetics. If you never develop wisdom teeth, consider yourself lucky!

Myth #2: Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed

While many people do need their wisdom teeth removed, not everyone does. If your wisdom teeth grow in straight, have enough space to keep clean and prevent cavities from developing, and don’t cause problems, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend keeping them. Regular checkups with your dentist will help you keep an eye on things and ensure that you take the right treatment course when or if it’s needed.

Myth #3: Removing Wisdom Teeth Is Extremely Painful

The idea of getting wisdom teeth removed can sound scary, but modern oral surgery techniques make it much easier. With anesthesia and pain management, most people feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some soreness is normal afterward, but it’s usually very manageable with ice packs and medication.

Myth #4: You’ll Be Awake for the Whole Procedure

Most people are given some form of sedation during wisdom teeth removal. This means you might be awake but very relaxed, or you could be completely asleep. Since everyone’s medical history and needs are different, your oral surgeon will talk to you about the best option for your specific needs.

Myth #5: Wisdom Teeth Have No Purpose

Wisdom teeth may not be useful today, but they once helped our ancestors chew tough foods like raw plants and meat. Over time, human jaws became smaller and our diets have changed, making wisdom teeth less necessary. That’s why they often cause problems now!

Myth #6: You Can Eat Whatever You Want After Surgery

Not quite! After wisdom teeth removal, you’ll need to stick to soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for a few days. Crunchy or hard foods can irritate the healing area and even cause complications.

Myth #7: The Older You Are, the Harder It Is to Remove Wisdom Teeth

While it’s true that younger people often heal faster, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age. The key is to follow your oral surgeon’s advice, take care of yourself during recovery, and get in touch with your oral surgeon if you have any questions or concerns during the healing process.

The Bottom Line on Wisdom Teeth

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about wisdom teeth, but now you know the facts! If you’re unsure whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed, a consultation with one our oral surgeons at Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery can help.

Want to learn more about what to expect? Download our free guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Wisdom Teeth,” for expert advice on wisdom teeth care, removal, and recovery.