Exploring Your Wisdom Teeth: Do They Have a Home or Need Removal?

Ever wondered why the final set of molars can often be troublesome? It's because, as human jaws have become smaller over time, there's been less room for all our teeth. This development is linked to changes in diet and an increase in brain size, which have affected our dental health in some interesting ways. While we now have more diverse food options than our prehistoric ancestors, this reduction in jaw size can lead to problems for the last molars to develop – your wisdom teeth.

Since they emerge later in life, between the ages of 17 and 21, these teeth are referred to as "wisdom" teeth. Unfortunately, they can also become impacted or cause issues with adjacent teeth or tissues. In fact, an estimated 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point.

Typically, individuals develop four wisdom teeth in total. However, there are cases of people developing fewer than four, and even more rarely, extra ones. Once they appear, these teeth can cause a variety of issues if they do not have enough room to erupt correctly or become impacted.

An impacted tooth is one that remains submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot emerge into its proper position. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions can be classified differently. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions involve the tooth being completely or partially obstructed by bone.

At the office of Marisol Ruiz, DMD, we closely monitor our patients' oral health at every checkup visit. This examination includes evaluating the development and positioning of wisdom teeth, as well as assessing their potential impact on adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your third molars have enough space to erupt correctly, align properly, and do not pose a risk to nearby teeth or tissues, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we determine that your wisdom teeth require removal, we can either perform the procedure in our office or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based on your unique needs.

While most general dentists offer services such as wisdom tooth extractions, it's essential to remember that each case is different. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental care and providing a caring and lighthearted environment for our patients, we strive to make even complex procedures as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

If you have any concerns or questions about your wisdom teeth or are interested in learning more about how we can help keep your smile healthy and bright, don't hesitate to get in touch. Our dedicated staff is always ready to provide guidance and support whenever you need it most.