Why Are Wisdom Teeth Called That?
At first glance, it can seem odd that third molars are called “wisdom teeth.” Such pearly whites cause problems and thus don’t appear wise. Well, there’s a suitable reason for their title.
You see, these teeth don’t emerge until early adulthood (i.e., from 17-25 years old). That means a person is at an age of wisdom when they erupt. Since the chompers only show up when you’re “wise,” they gained the nickname “wisdom teeth.” This label has been around since at least the 19th century.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Luckily, wisdom tooth removal doesn’t hurt. Dentists work to ensure it’s a painless process. That way, your treatment will be smooth and comfortable.
Ultimately, the dentist will numb your mouth before the surgery. (They’ll use a local anesthetic.) You won’t sense any aches during the procedure. At most, you might feel slight pressure as the dental team works on your tooth. (The dentist can also add sedation to this step, limiting your ability to feel pain.)
Of course, you may feel a bit sore after the removal. That’s a common symptom to have post-surgery. However, the effect is temporary and fades quickly. You’ll feel normal within a week if you follow the aftercare guidelines.
Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve?
Yes, dentists stitch the treatment site after wisdom tooth removal. This measure stabilizes the tissue where incisions are made. However, the stitches often do dissolve on their own.
That said, the stitches don’t just go away immediately. It can take a few weeks or even a month for them to dissolve. The final timeframe will depend on factors related to your extraction. These might include the severity of treatment, as well as the type, material, and size of the stitch.
Still, there are exceptions where the stitches don’t dissolve. Those used by your dentist may not have such a feature. In that case, you’ll attend a follow-up visit to have the stitches removed. This appointment often takes place 7-10 days after the removal.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After wisdom tooth removal, you won’t have to wait long to eat. You'll only need to do so for an hour or two. During that time, though, you should keep the gauze pads in place. Doing so will slow down any bleeding.
When the wait is over, follow your dentist’s instructions on what you can eat. The first will likely be to stick to liquids on the first day (without using straws). For a couple of days afterward, you may only get to have soft foods. You can switch to heartier foods once you pass the 5-day mark. Once it’s been a week since your extraction, you should be ready to resume a regular diet.
