Wisdom Teeth Removal

A wisdom tooth or third molar is one of the three molars per quadrant of the human dentition. It is the most posterior of the three. Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each of the four quadrants, but it is possible to have fewer or more; in which case the extras are called supernumerary teeth. Ideally, the teeth emerge without complication however, if they do affect other teeth as they develop, becoming impacted, they are often extracted. In accordance to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as many as 9 out of 10 Americans have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted. Even if the teeth all erupt normally, they may cause overcrowding or grow in at an angle that can be problematic in the future. For that reason, many people elect to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent infection, crowding, and other complications.

Did you know…

Moreover, it is not common knowledge that wisdom teeth may need to be removed even if they have not yet been a cause for any complications. Wisdom teeth that suppurate normally may still be defenseless against decay, over time. As the wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are tedious to clean and floss regularly. While no complications may materialize instantaneously, wisdom teeth usually begin causing difficulties for middle to old aged adults.