What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third molars located in the back of the mouth are usually called wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are an excellent addition to your mouth when they have grown in properly because they can provide more chewing power throughout your life. Typically, they are the last teeth to develop in your jaw. That is why they don’t usually show up until you are anywhere between the ages of 17 up to age 25.
It is also interesting that some people never develop wisdom teeth, but when they do, they may get anywhere from 1 to 4 of them. In some cases, they may even grow more than four wisdom teeth, and there is no real explanation for why these extraneous teeth take place. One thing is sure; there are a wide variety of problems.
Wisdom Teeth Need Room To Grow
Your wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is not enough room in your jaw for them to grow with proper alignment. Typically, they don’t have enough space to grow in properly, so that means they stay underneath the gums and it leads to a displacement of the other teeth in the mouth.
It may also be possible that the impacted wisdom teeth could result in damage to the soft tissue and the formation of a cyst. They create further issues, including jaw expansion, destruction of the bone and damage that occurs to the surrounding teeth. Tumors may also develop over the course of time, leading to spontaneous jaw breakage.
Healthy Alignment Is Important
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and grow in properly with correct alignment, they typically don’t need to be removed. There are many times, however, when removal is necessary. The most common reason as explained above, is they are unable to grow in because they remain trapped underneath the gums. Sometimes they partially emerge through the gums leading to an oral infection.
Some of the issues with impacted wisdom teeth include repeated infections, pain, tumors, gum disease, advanced tooth decay and damage to the other molars in the mouth. If you experience these problems, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having your wisdom teeth removed. It may be a decision that is best for you and your oral health professionals.
Care of your normal teeth can be a big challenge but wisdom teeth are sometimes a greater challenge. These issues can effect almost all the teeth in your jaw. When they are impacted you can get a very painful infection and or even very crooked teeth. With Xrays your dentist can determine the potential problems that may arise in the future. See your dentist in Pico Rivera for wisdom teeth care.
