WISDOM TEETH

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and the ones least needed for good oral health.

The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are called such because they develop when most individuals become adults (near 17 years of age).

Because our jaws are smaller than our ancestors*, our wisdom teeth may not have enough room to fit in our mouths properly. Therefore, problems may result if these additional teeth attempt to emerge.

Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, and often they are impacted (trapped in the jaw bone and gums). Cramped for room, these impacted teeth grow in many different directions and removal may be recommended by your dentist to prevent potential problems.

Whether wisdom teeth cause your mouth harm depends on several factors, including the size of your jaw and how your wisdom teeth grow in. You may have no symptoms at all, but other teeth in your mouth could be at risk of damage. Help make your treatment a success by understanding why your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, what the procedure involved and what you can do to promote a successful recovery.

*Our ancestors needed large jaws and more teeth for their tougher diet. Since our lifestyle has changed and we eat softer foods, we no longer require that extra chewing power.

If you learn the different ways wisdom teeth can develop and the problems that can arise, you’ll be better able to understand why you may need to have them removed.

It is best to have wisdom teeth removed around 17 years of age because that is when they usually develop. Removal will be easier as the bone may not be as dense as in an older person. Also, recovery will be faster since the roots usually have not yet fully developed.

Infection in the Gum: When a wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gum’s surface, bacteria can get under the flap, causing an infection in the gum.

Crowding Displaces Next Tooth: An impacted or erupting wisdom tooth can push on adjacent teeth, causing them to become crooked or even damaging structurally.

Decayed Wisdom Teeth: Decay forms in a wisdom tooth that is hard to clean due to its position or because it is partially covered by the gum tissue which may collect cavity causing bacteria. 

Poorly Positioned Wisdom Teeth: A wisdom tooth that grows toward the cheek can irritate nearby tissue. If an erupted tooth is crooked it may be hard to clean or make it hard to bite down.

Cyst Destroys Bone: If the sac that hold the crown remains in the bone, it can fill with fluids, forming a cyst that can destroy surrounding bone.