The development of our third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, has been linked to human evolutionary changes. As our jaws have become smaller over time, there's often not enough room for all of our teeth. This is especially true for the last permanent teeth to emerge in our oral cavity: the wisdom teeth. In fact, approximately 85% of people will need to have their third molars removed.
The majority of individuals develop four wisdom teeth. However, there are cases where individuals may not develop any wisdom teeth at all or may only develop fewer than four. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years, a time in life often referred to as "the Age of Wisdom."
When a wisdom tooth is unable to erupt into place due to lack of space or other issues, it's considered impacted. Depending on the amount and type of overlying tissue, impactions can be 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 completely obstructed by bone.
At our dental office, we closely monitor the development and health of our patients' teeth at every checkup visit. This includes examining the position, alignment, and overall health of the wisdom teeth as well as their impact on adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your third molars have sufficient room to erupt correctly, are not causing damage to other teeth or tissues, and do not exhibit signs of decay, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, the procedure can either be performed in our office or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, depending on the specific requirements of each case.
Our dedicated staff is committed to providing you with personalized care and attention. If you have any questions about your wisdom teeth or are experiencing discomfort, please don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!
