Have you ever wondered why some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth while others need to get them removed? The answer might lie in human evolutionary development. As our diet has changed and our brains have grown larger over time, our jaws have become smaller. This means that there's often not enough room for all of our teeth, particularly the third molars or "wisdom teeth".
Wisdom teeth are usually the last permanent teeth to emerge in the oral cavity. They typically come into place between the ages of 17 and 21 years. Because this period coincides with a time of increased maturity and personal growth, these teeth have earned the nickname "wisdom teeth". However, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth. Some people may develop fewer than four, while others may not develop any at all. In rare cases, some individuals may even develop extra wisdom teeth.
When a wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to erupt into place, it can become impacted. This means that the tooth remains partially or completely covered by gum tissue or bone and is unable to emerge through the gums. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in several different ways.
At the office of Dr. Timothy N. Smith Family Dentistry, we monitor our patients' dental health at every checkup visit. During these examinations, we carefully evaluate the development, location, and health of the wisdom teeth, as well as the adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and have enough room to erupt into place correctly, without causing damage to the nearby teeth or tissues, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we determine that your wisdom teeth pose a risk to your oral health, we will recommend appropriate treatment options.
Wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure in our practice. Depending on the complexity of the case, these extractions can either be performed in our office or referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Regardless of where the procedure takes place, you can rest assured that our dedicated staff will provide you with compassionate care and personalized attention throughout your treatment journey.
We understand that discussing dental procedures can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing. That's why we strive to explain everything in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and confident about any decisions related to your oral health care.
If you have questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth or any other aspect of your dental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help!
