Many dental developmental milestones are met in the first 25 years of life, with the last being the emergence of the wisdom teeth. If your periodontist has recommended removing your wisdom teeth, you may be wondering if the procedure is really necessary. In this post, we’ll discuss what wisdom teeth are, when they emerge, and why…or why not…you should have them removed.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third molars in the very back of the mouth. People typically have four total, two on top and two on bottom. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge during normal dental development.
Wisdom Teeth Timeline
The age at which the wisdom teeth emerge varies from patient to patient. Most patients will be between 17 and 24 years old when they first notice their wisdom teeth, although some patients get them much younger or older.
Factors Affecting Potential Removal
There are several reasons why a periodontist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth:
- Pain – If the wisdom teeth are causing the patient pain, removing the offending tooth or teeth may be recommended.
- Impaction – Other teeth or the gums can prevent a wisdom tooth from being able to break through, causing pain or potential damage to adjacent structures.
- Crowding – Sometimes there is not room for the wisdom tooth to come up fully due to crowding from the other teeth that have already broken through.
- Decay – Cavities in the wisdom teeth can be hard to treat, so if a cavity has penetrated through the tooth far enough, a periodontist may recommend removing the tooth entirely.
Yes for Some, No for Others
There is no one answer for the question of whether a person should or should not have their wisdom teeth removed. For some people, the wisdom teeth grow in without issue, and would not need to be removed unless they were affected by cavities or trauma. However, for many people, there are issues with the wisdom teeth emerging and growing properly without causing problems for the other teeth. For those patients, wisdom tooth extraction is most appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
Where are the wisdom teeth located?
The wisdom teeth are the very back teeth on the top and bottom of the mouth on both sides. They are also called the third molars. There is one on the top left, one on the top right, one on the bottom left, and one on the bottom right.
Will I be put to sleep to have my wisdom teeth removed?
The type of anesthesia used for the wisdom tooth extraction will depend on whether or not the teeth can be pulled versus cut out. Your periodontist can help determine which method is right for you and explain the anesthesia options.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Belmont
Having wisdom teeth removed is a very common dental procedure, with an estimated 5 million Americans having the procedure done each year. Here in the northwest Boston metro, including Belmont, Cambridge, Arlington, and Watertown, Schrott Perio Implants is ready to provide quality wisdom teeth extraction services for periodontal patients. To schedule an appointment with Belmont’s premier periodontal clinic, contact us at 617-484-9240.