The arrival of your third molars, or wisdom teeth, can be a significant moment in your dental journey. These late bloomers typically emerge through the gums at the back of your mouth between ages 17 and 25. Given that this period often coincides with the transition from adolescence into adulthood, these teeth are commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth."
While some individuals may experience no issues with their third molars, others may encounter problems that require extraction. For many young adults, wisdom tooth pain is the primary reason they seek urgent dental care.
Due to the limited space in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are more prone to problems. While our ancestors had larger jaws that could accommodate these extra teeth, human jaws have become smaller over time. This evolutionary change is believed to be a result of our softer diets and larger brains.
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it remains submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot erupt into position. Based on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in several ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions involve a tooth that is partially or fully obstructed by bone.
In addition to the high frequency of impactions and poor alignment, maintaining proper oral hygiene for third molars can be challenging. Due to their position at the back of the mouth, these teeth are particularly susceptible to bacterial accumulation, dental disease, and infection. Our office may recommend extracting third molars as a means to help prevent these oral health issues, thereby preserving the overall well-being of your gums and neighboring teeth. By eliminating the need for navigating hard-to-reach areas, it becomes simpler and healthier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.
In rare cases, wisdom teeth may contribute to the formation of cysts or tumors around the impacted tooth. These problems can cause extensive damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
At our dental office, we closely monitor the development, location, and health of unerupted and erupted wisdom teeth during every checkup visit. For teens and adults of all ages, we often recommend the extraction of potentially problematic third molars before a painful or complex emergency arises. We also provide prompt treatment and recommend extractions as needed if symptoms and problems develop.
