New Patients: (561) 609-6491
Existing Patients: (561) 395-0550
7280 W Palmetto Park Rd
Suite 206N
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Have you ever wondered why some people need to have their wisdom teeth removed? The answer might lie in human evolution. Over time, our jaws have become smaller due to changes in diet and an increase in brain size. This shrinkage often leaves little room for the third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, to erupt into place properly. In fact, approximately 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point.
Most individuals develop four wisdom teeth. However, there are cases where people may not develop any, develop fewer than four, or even develop extra ones. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years, a time in life often associated with the transition from teenage years into adulthood, which is why they're commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth."
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is unable to erupt into position due to obstructions such as gum tissue or bone. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions occur when a wisdom tooth is completely or partially obstructed by bone.
At our dental office, we carefully monitor the development, location, and health of your wisdom teeth during each checkup visit. If your third molars have room to erupt into place, align correctly, do not have large cavities, and are not causing damage to adjacent teeth or tissues, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, we may perform the procedure in our office or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based on the unique requirements of each case.
General dentists play a crucial role in managing your wisdom teeth. They can help identify potential issues early on, guide you through the decision-making process about whether to remove your wisdom teeth or not, and perform extractions if necessary. In addition, they can provide ongoing care for your oral health after any dental procedures.
Following the removal of your wisdom teeth, it's essential to take proper care of your oral health. This may include following a soft food diet for a few days, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing regularly.
The journey of your wisdom teeth can be an interesting exploration into human evolutionary development. While smaller jaws may pose challenges for the proper eruption of these teeth, regular dental checkups and appropriate care can help ensure a healthy smile throughout adulthood.
At the office of Marisol Ruiz, DMD, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or would like more information on how we can assist you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
