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Wisdom Teeth
The Maxillary (upper) and Mandibular (lower) third (3rd) molars are commonly referred to as the wisdom teeth because one will usually get them when they mature and gain "wisdom."
Most people get four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to get more, or even less. When a person gets more, they are often referred to as supernumerary teeth. Very often, people’s jaws are not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth and these wisdom teeth grow sideways, causing a considerable impact in the mouth. Sometimes, only a small portion of the wisdom tooth actually shows through the gum, which can become infected as food and bacteria can get under the gum through the small opening. If the wisdom tooth remains buried in the gum, it could later develop a cyst associated with it. For these reasons, if the wisdom teeth do not erupt completely into the mouth, it may be advisable to have them removed. It is always better to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age when the roots are not completely formed, the bone is not as dense, and the patient’s capacity to heal is at its best.
Extracting wisdom teeth can just take a few minutes, but if it is a complicated situation it may take much longer and can become painful. Sometimes the eruption of the wisdom tooth may cause bleeding and discomfort. On the other hand, there are some who may never get wisdom teeth at all, but this is not a problem. Having said this, it is always best to visit your dentist and make sure that no complications will arise due to these teeth.
We can discuss your wisdom teeth status and any concerns you may have. Our center has the latest in digital imaging equipment to help us see the exact locations of your third molars in relation to the nerves, neighboring teeth, and surrounding bone.
Most people get four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to get more, or even less. When a person gets more, they are often referred to as supernumerary teeth. Very often, people’s jaws are not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth and these wisdom teeth grow sideways, causing a considerable impact in the mouth. Sometimes, only a small portion of the wisdom tooth actually shows through the gum, which can become infected as food and bacteria can get under the gum through the small opening. If the wisdom tooth remains buried in the gum, it could later develop a cyst associated with it. For these reasons, if the wisdom teeth do not erupt completely into the mouth, it may be advisable to have them removed. It is always better to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age when the roots are not completely formed, the bone is not as dense, and the patient’s capacity to heal is at its best.
Extracting wisdom teeth can just take a few minutes, but if it is a complicated situation it may take much longer and can become painful. Sometimes the eruption of the wisdom tooth may cause bleeding and discomfort. On the other hand, there are some who may never get wisdom teeth at all, but this is not a problem. Having said this, it is always best to visit your dentist and make sure that no complications will arise due to these teeth.
We can discuss your wisdom teeth status and any concerns you may have. Our center has the latest in digital imaging equipment to help us see the exact locations of your third molars in relation to the nerves, neighboring teeth, and surrounding bone.
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The entire staff was amazing! I was a new patient with a wicked tooth ache! They took me in the same day, put me on antibiotics and called me when there was a cancellation. They treated me with the utmost respect and care!!
~ Casey S. - Frederick
