Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth–usually appearing behind the upper and lower second (or 12-year) molars. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they usually appear during a person's late teens or early twenties (which has historically been called the "age of wisdom"). Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but if your dentist informs you that yours do need removing, it’s likely because they currently pose a threat to your oral health or because they could cause problems in the near future. With their safe removal, you’ll be able to rest-assured that your smile won’t be in harm’s way. To learn more about your wisdom teeth and why they may need removal, read below.
Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to appear in your mouth that erupt in the back upper and lower arches. Not everybody is born with them, but those who do have them can have anywhere from one to four and, in some cases, even more. Wisdom teeth can cause short-term or chronic oral health problems if you don’t have enough room in your mouth to adequately accommodate them.
Most dentists recommend removing your third molars as a preventive measure to make sure you don’t encounter any painful or costly oral health problems in the future. Many wisdom teeth also erupt in an impacted or crooked position, which can cause intense discomfort or damage to surrounding teeth. If your dentist recommends having them extracted, our team can comfortably and gently remove them to give your smile a better chance at maintaining lifelong health.
Maintaining great oral health comes with countless benefits to your overall wellness, and it ensures that you’ll be able to continue enjoying your beautiful smile. By removing your wisdom teeth, you may be able to avoid some of these potential issues:
If your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you may be able to tell if you experience any of these symptoms:
If you notice any of these signs, visit your dentist as soon as possible so you can be alerted as to whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
