Wisdom Teeth: When They Come into Place or Need to Be Extracted

Ever wondered why some people have problems with their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth? It turns out that the issues associated with these teeth might be linked to human evolutionary development. As our brains have grown larger over time and our diets have changed, our jaws have become smaller. This has resulted in less space for all of our teeth, particularly the third molars. In fact, research suggests that approximately 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point.

Most individuals develop four wisdom teeth, although there are cases where individuals may not develop any or may develop more than four. Unless they become impacted, these teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years. This period coincides with the transition from teenage years into adulthood, which is why these teeth are commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth."

What Does It Mean When Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?

A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is unable to erupt into position due to a lack of space or obstruction by bone or gum tissue. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions can be classified in different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions happen when a wisdom tooth is completely or partially obstructed by bone.

How Do We Monitor the Development of Your Wisdom Teeth?

At the office of Park Slope Family Dentistry, PC, we closely monitor the development, location, and health of our patients' wisdom teeth during every checkup visit. This includes checking for any issues that may require extraction, such as lack of space, abnormal alignment, or damage to adjacent teeth or tissues. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and have enough room to come into place correctly, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we recommend removing your wisdom teeth, the procedure can often be performed in our office by one of our skilled dentists.

Why Might You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

• Lack of Space: If there isn't enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to emerge, they may become impacted or push against your other teeth, causing pain and discomfort.
• Incomplete Eruption: In some cases, your wisdom teeth may only partially erupt through the gums, leaving an opening for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
• Abnormal Development: If your wisdom teeth are developing abnormally or at an angle that could damage adjacent teeth or tissues, extraction may be recommended.

While the decision to remove your wisdom teeth will depend on a variety of factors unique to each case, our dedicated staff is committed to providing you with personalized care and guidance. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or would like more information about the extraction process, please don't hesitate to ask during your next appointment at the office of Park Slope Family Dentistry, PC.