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People generally develop their wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25, also known as the "age of wisdom." Up to four wisdom teeth can emerge, one at each end of the upper and lower gums. Other people never develop wisdom teeth at all. Since many mouths are too small to accommodate four additional molars, wisdom teeth removal is often necessary and common, in order to prevent other dental problems, such as impaction. With the summer months approaching, it is time to start thinking about your kid's summer plans. Vacations, sports, jobs and days at the pool are ranked high for the summer's to-do list, but you may want to start thinking about his or her wisdom teeth, especially if they begin to experience discomfort. Your Tooth is Impacted: What does that Mean? When wisdom teeth cannot properly erupt, it is often referred to as being impacted. Teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted because it may be too early in a person's dental development. As time passes, your teeth may properly grow in, but it is a matter of time before your dentist can tell if they will. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine whether the teeth are impacted, or if they will properly grow. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can often result in: • Infection
• Decay of adjacent teeth
• Gum disease
• Formation of a cyst or tumor Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential problems from developing later on in the development of your teeth.
Do Your Child's Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed? If your wisdom teeth grow in properly and have healthy gum tissue around them, they are just as useful as any other tooth, and you may not need to have them removed. Not all wisdom teeth erupt perfectly aligned, however. You may experience problems because there is not adequate space in an individual's mouth for the third molars to grow into a normal position. As a result, your wisdom teeth may become impacted, or trapped, within the jaw. Wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and may even cause gum disease. If your wisdom teeth become misaligned, they can also shift or damage adjacent teeth. Even worse, cysts can potentially form, which can destroy nerves, the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of your wisdom teeth is recommended to prevent serious damage, pain and other possible health problems. With digital x-rays, your dentist will be able to monitor your wisdom teeth development. Not everyone's wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If your third molars are aligned, healthy and functional, your dentist may allow them to remain, with close monitoring. Contact your dentist in Warrenton today if you or your child is experiencing jaw pain and/or inflammation.
Sean Hartmen writes for Drs. Yung and Jelinek, Warrenton dentists. Offering a wide range of services including Warrenton dentures, oral surgery, and implants, Drs. Yung and Jelinek are qualified to handle any dental need for patients of all ages.
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