Wisdom Teeth
Early evaluation to prevent problems with your third molars.
The Basics
The average adult has 32 teeth: 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. Unfortunately, our mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. The four other teeth, your “third molars,” are also known as “wisdom teeth.”
When wisdom teeth erupt and align properly, they do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. In an attempt to erupt successfully, wisdom teeth may take several paths, including growing sideways, emerging only partially and even remaining trapped under the gum and bone.
Why impacted wisdom teeth matter
Left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause a host of problems in an otherwise healthy mouth. The most serious of these problems occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, which can result in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems.
Early detection is best
Early detection and removal is the best way to avoid these potential problems. With a simple oral examination and x-ray of the mouth, we can check the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if you are at risk for future problems. For the best chance at early detection, we generally like to evaluate patients in their mid-teens.