Wisdom Teeth are the third molars. It was called so because it usually develops at the age of 18 to 20 years, the age which is considered as the period when a person matures and gains wisdom. It is normal for each person to have three molars in each quadrant of the mouth. The first molar grows at the age of six years; the second molar grows at the age of 12 years. The third molar or wisdom tooth is not different from other teeth except for being the last to grow in the mouth. It is just as useful as other teeth if it develops properly, interacts properly with other teeth, and has healthy gums around it. Sadly, this is not always the case.

In some cases, wisdom teeth do not properly erupt from the mouth or the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. These cases are called impacted wisdom teeth. This may occur if the tooth erupts too early in a person’s dental development, which leads to the improper growth of the tooth. Impaction of wisdom teeth is the most common medical developmental disorder. Impacted teeth can cause problems such as:

• Infection
• Decay of neighboring teeth
• Gum disease
• Development of cyst or tumor from the follicle

Impacted teeth can be detected via dental X-ray. Sometimes, erupted third molars still need to be extracted. It may be due to the tooth being non-functional, badly decayed, or interferes with the function of adjacent teeth. Under developed third molars, usually appearing in adolescence, are usually extracted to prevent future complications.

A lot of oral health specialists are inclined to recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth. This is done to prevent the development of oral problems later on in life. Removal involves entry to an ideal position to the tooth through the sot and hard tissue, gently severing the connective tissue in between the tooth and bone, thus, extracting the third molar.

DR. JOHN CHAVES
5312 Comercio Lane, Suite A
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone 818-999-2707
Fax 818-703-1998
appointment@cosmeticdentalservices.com