Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to come in. They start to erupt during a person’s late teens or early 20s. There are a total of four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Are Wisdom Teeth Always Removed?
No. If your wisdom teeth are aligned properly, have room to come in, and aren’t damaging the surrounding teeth there’s usually no reason to remove them.
However, many people do need to have their wisdom teeth removed because they develop complications.
Wisdom Teeth Complications
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt and remain below the gumline. This can cause pain and swelling.
Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted may be covered by a flap of gum tissue. Food can get caught under the gum flap and lead to an infection called pericoronitis.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also push against adjacent teeth and cause damage.
How Can I Care for My Wisdom Teeth?
It’s important to have regular dental exams. Professional cleanings will help keep your wisdom teeth healthy. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day, paying special attention to your wisdom teeth, as it’s easy for food to get trapped back there.
Wisdom teeth that erupt can still cause problems later on. If you experience any pain or swelling, call your dentist.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Richmond Hill, ON
Like all teeth, your wisdom teeth show up on X-rays before they erupt. Wisdom teeth can be monitored starting in adolescence. If your wisdom teeth do need to be removed, it’s better to do it before you experience any problems.
If you or your teen are experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or discomfort in the back of your mouth, the culprit could be your wisdom teeth. Be “wise” and contact ToothMatters today to set up an appointment.
-Dr. Gao
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/oral-
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/