It’s debatable whether any of us are particularly wise when our wisdom teeth begin to erupt, but they are certainly the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. For most people, the third set of molars will try to erupt through the gums sometime between the ages of 16 and 19 years. This can be problematic if the jaw does not have enough room to hold another set of molars, so many people choose to have these teeth extracted.
Does your child or teen need a Bray dentist? Duncan OK dental clinic Chisholm Trail Smile Center serves the Bray area and can help you stay on top of your child’s oral health. Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your child or teen.
What are the Wisdom Teeth?
As the third set of molars to cut through the gums, the wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth. Most people will develop one wisdom tooth on each side of the top arch, and one on each side of the bottom arch—four in total. Some people do not develop one or more wisdom teeth, and, until they erupt, only a dental x-ray can tell you whether a person will have them.
Why Wisdom Teeth are Extracted
Wisdom teeth are not necessary for proper chewing, and they can cause problems in the mouth. They are a remnant of a time when humans ate a different diet and subsequently developed larger jawbones. Our jaws do not grow quite as large today, but we still grow the same number of teeth as we did when our diet consisted of tougher meats and more fibrous vegetables.
Since many people do not have room for the wisdom teeth, extraction can prevent potential problems, such as:
- Overcrowding – If you have spent a small fortune on orthodontic treatments, wisdom teeth may upset your alignment and cause your teeth to become crowded together and misaligned again.
- Impaction – When there is no room for the wisdom teeth, they may try to erupt sideways or become blocked by other teeth. This can lead to painful sores in the gum tissue, as well as cysts that may damage the jawbone.
- Tooth Decay – Even when there is room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, their potential for decay may be a factor in the decision to extract.
Should All Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?
Many people do not have their wisdom teeth extracted if they have room in the jaw for them. Some of these people never have problems, but others may develop another common problem with erupted wisdom teeth: cavities. Molars, in general, are harder to keep clean than other teeth, due to their deep crevices, which are essential to chewing. Due to their positioning at the farthest corners of the mouth, the third molars may be more difficult to access with a toothbrush and may become more prone to developing cavities or gum disease.
For an older adult with decayed or damaged wisdom teeth, an extraction becomes a more traumatic experience than with newly erupted teeth. It’s far easier to remove younger teeth, which do not have fully developed roots and have not yet embedded themselves in the jawbone.
What is the Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
Since each patient’s growth and tooth development may be slightly different, there’s not one “ideal” age for wisdom teeth removal. The best time is when the teeth are about two-thirds of the way grown, before the roots have fully developed. With some patients, this will happen by age 15, and with others it may not happen until age 19 or older.
The best way to ensure your child’s wisdom teeth are being monitored is to bring him or her to Chisholm Trail Smile Center for regular dental checkups. At each six-month visit, we will take dental x-rays and assess the growth timeline of the wisdom teeth. We inform parents when the teeth are approaching the optimal time for extraction and discuss any potential concerns. We take the time to fully explain your child’s unique case, so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision regarding extraction.
Contact Bray Dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges to Learn More
To learn more about the issues surrounding wisdom teeth, visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Duncan and Bray dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges will monitor your child’s dental growth and oral health, so you have the confidence to make an informed decision about wisdom tooth extraction. Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your child or teen.
