The Truth About Wisdom Teeth

The majority of your permanent teeth will be in by the teenage years, but there is a very good chance that your third molars, aka wisdom teeth, will come in during your late teens or early 20s. They really aren't necessary for this day and age and could cause problems for you later in life. Access Dental & Dentures has compiled a few facts about wisdom teeth that will help you better understand just what they are and why you should get rid of them. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third row of molars in your mouth is commonly called "wisdom teeth" because they generally show up between the ages of 17-25 when you are older and a bit wiser. Nearly everyone has to deal with them at some point, but there are a few people that won't ever have them come in. This is mostly due to genetic reasons.

Originally, wisdom teeth were needed for early humans to chew and eat. Their diets were a lot tougher than the foods we eat today. Teeth were worn down a lot faster back then and the third set of molars came in handy. Once your wisdom teeth come in, it is extremely likely that they will cause problems for you, if not right away then at some point down the road. Since they really aren't needed, it's best to have them removed before they become troublesome. 

Signs They NEED To Come Out
Evolution has caused people to develop smaller jaws than our ancestors had, so a third set of molars often will not fit. When they come in, the other teeth can be crowded and pushed out of place enough to appear crooked. Once wisdom teeth break through the gums, it can be difficult to keep them clean that far back in your mouth. That leaves bacteria free to gather and grow which can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.

When wisdom teeth don't break through the gums, these are considered impacted. This can happen when there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in. Getting an x-ray at our dental offices in Southern Missouri is the easiest way to catch this early. Signs that you may have an impacted tooth include throbbing pain, swollen glands, tender gums, jaw swelling, and a painful headache. Any time that wisdom teeth cause pain, discomfort, or damage to your other teeth, that's a sure sign that you should have them removed. Your dentist will be able to talk over your options and the next steps if this is the case.   

The best way to stay on top of your wisdom teeth before they have a chance to cause trouble is to maintain regular checkups with one of our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri. We will be able to advise you on the best practice for your particular situation. Our goal at Access Dental & Dentures is to make sure that you have the best chance possible at a happy, healthy smile. No matter what that entails, we are always here to help in any way that we can.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

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