All About Wisdom Teeth
Answers to common questions about wisdom teeth
Many people only have to hear the words “wisdom teeth” to be filled with dread. There is a lot of misinformation out there about wisdom teeth, and in some cases it may be causing people to suffer needlessly or undergo unnecessary surgery. Here are some questions and answers that you can use as a resource to help you make informed decisions about caring for your wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Sometimes called third molars, wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the jaw. They are the last teeth to develop and typically start coming through the gums between ages 17 and 25. Experts believe that these extra molars are left over from our species’ early days, when dental hygiene was unknown, teeth were used as tools, and most individuals had lost some of their teeth at a young age as a result.
Why Do We Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can cause painful dental issues when they either develop improperly or are not cleaned well. About 90 percent of people will have at least one of their wisdom teeth become impacted, or unable to break through the gums. This can be dangerous as the impacted tooth is likely to damage neighboring teeth or get infected. A partially erupted tooth can also be a problem, as it will trap more food particles and bacteria, potentially contributing to severe gum disease that could spread infections to other major systems in the body. Wisdom teeth can also become riddled with cavities and so painful that they need to be extracted. In some cases, individuals may choose to have a wisdom tooth extraction in order to protect against overcrowding that could ruin their straight, even smile.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted?
No, healthy wisdom teeth do not need to be extracted except as a preventative measure. Extraction is only required when serious infections, cavities, cysts, tumors, or damage to surrounding teeth is present.
What if I Choose to Keep My Wisdom Teeth?
Just because your wisdom teeth are healthy at the moment is no guarantee that they won’t cause problems in the future. If you choose to keep your wisdom teeth, it is extremely important to brush and floss them thoroughly every day to prevent food and bacteria from building up around these hard-to-reach teeth and causing cavities. You should also keep up with your annual dental cleanings and checkups and allow your dentist to take X-rays of your wisdom teeth frequently. This will help ensure any problems below or above the gum line will be detected early on and treated promptly.
