Understanding Your Wisdom Teeth Extractions: A Helpful Guide

Have you ever wondered why we have wisdom teeth, and why they sometimes need to be extracted? The emergence of these third molars is a pivotal moment in many people's dental journey. Typically erupting between the ages of 17 and 21, these teeth are often referred to as "wisdom teeth" because this period coincides with the transition from teenage years into adulthood, known as the "Age of Wisdom."

The Challenges of Living with Wisdom Teeth: Common Symptoms and Issues

• Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
• Infection or inflammation around the impacted tooth
• Cysts forming around the impacted tooth, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth
• Tumors forming around the impacted tooth, which can cause extensive damage to your dental health
• Damage to adjacent teeth due to lack of space in the back of the mouth
• Gum disease or tooth decay caused by bacteria accumulation and poor oral hygiene practices

As our prehistoric ancestors had larger jaws capable of accommodating these extra teeth, the human jaw has become smaller over time. This evolutionary development is believed to be due to our softer diets and larger brains. As a result, third molars are often more likely to face problems such as impaction or poor alignment.

Understanding Impactions: Different Types of Wisdom Tooth Obstructions

Wisdom teeth are considered impacted when they remain submerged under gum tissue or bone, unable to erupt into their proper position. These impactions can be classified based on the type and amount of overlying tissue present:

• Soft tissue impaction: When a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue
• Bony impaction: When a wisdom tooth is partially or fully obstructed by bone

Keeping these teeth clean and free from cavities, gum disease, and infection can be challenging due to their positioning way at the back of the mouth. Our dental office may recommend extracting third molars to help mitigate the risk of these oral health issues, preserving the overall well-being of your gums and neighboring teeth. By eliminating the need for navigating far-back, hard-to-reach areas, it's simple and healthier to maintain a better oral hygiene routine.

Early Detection and Prevention: Monitoring Your Wisdom Teeth Growth

At the office of Wainscott Dental, we closely monitor the development, location, and health of unerupted and erupted wisdom teeth during every dental checkup visit. For teens and adults of all ages, we often recommend the extraction of potentially problematic wisdom teeth before a painful or complex emergency arises. We also provide prompt treatment and recommend extractions as indicated if symptoms and problems develop.

Your dedicated staff at Wainscott Dental are committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or wish to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to assisting you in achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!