Also, how uncomfortable is a thorough cleaning and plaque scraping?
Answer Dear Michelle, The wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of approximately 17 and 25 years of age; they seldom “grow” at all beyond that. As such, your wisdom teeth have probably been in their current position for at least 7 years, if not more. Unless your dentist has determined that there is some developing problem around these teeth, a few months’ delay in extracting them will not pose much if any risk. The degree of discomfort experienced during a routine dental cleaning will depend on the amount and stubbornness of the adherent tooth deposits, the amount of gum inflammation present, the amount of root exposure secondary to gum recession, the technique and skills employed by the operator, and the general level of sensitivity that the patient manifests, both viscerally and psychologically. For most patients, the experience is not more than a minor annoyance, and is well justified by the benefits of plaque control. For those who experience a greater than average amount of
