The Journey of Your Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect

Ever wondered why some people have trouble with their third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth? It's because of a fascinating link to human evolutionary development. As our jaws have grown smaller over time - thought to be influenced by changes in diet and an increase in brain size - there's less room for all our teeth. This can often lead to issues with the final set of molars, your wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are usually the last permanent teeth to emerge in the oral cavity, coming after all other teeth have already made their appearance. Unfortunately, they can also be the most problematic. In fact, about 85% of people will need to have them removed. The reasons vary: sometimes there's not enough room for them to erupt correctly, they become impacted, or they cause damage to surrounding teeth and tissues.

Typically, four wisdom teeth develop in the human mouth. However, cases do occur where individuals develop fewer than four or none at all. Extra teeth are also a rare possibility. For most people, these molars begin erupting through the gums at the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 21 years. As this time period coincides with transitioning from adolescence into adulthood, or "the Age of Wisdom", they are often called "wisdom teeth".

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that remains partially or fully submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot erupt properly. Depending on the amount and type of overlying tissue, impactions can be classified in several ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a tooth is covered solely by gum tissue. If a wisdom tooth is completely or partially obstructed by bone, it is known as a bony impaction.

Monitoring the Health of Your Wisdom Teeth

At Park Slope Family Dentistry, PC, we take the health of your teeth very seriously. During every checkup visit, we carefully examine the development, location, and health of your wisdom teeth, as well as any adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. If your third molars have enough room to erupt correctly, align properly without causing damage or pain, are free from large cavities, and do not interfere with other teeth, then extraction may not be necessary.

However, if we believe that your wisdom teeth could potentially cause problems in the future, we may recommend having them removed. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, this procedure might either be performed at our office or by a referral to an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

A Caring Approach to Dental Health

We understand that dental procedures can sometimes seem daunting. That's why we strive to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for all our patients. Our dedicated staff is always ready to assist you with any concerns or questions you may have about your oral health. Remember, regular checkups are vital to maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing potential issues with your wisdom teeth.

Taking the First Step

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to your third molars, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'll be more than happy to schedule an appointment and help you navigate through this challenging dental journey. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.

And remember, keeping up with regular check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are key components in ensuring your teeth remain healthy and strong for a lifetime.