Ever wondered why some people have problems with their third molars? It turns out that it might be due to human evolutionary development. As our jaws have become smaller over time, there's often not enough room for all our teeth. This is particularly true for the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity: the wisdom teeth. In fact, research suggests that around 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed.
Most individuals typically develop four wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 21 years. This period coincides with the transition from teenage years into adulthood, a time known as the "Age of Wisdom," which is why these teeth are commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth." However, in some cases, people may not develop any wisdom teeth at all or might have fewer than four. There are even rare instances where individuals develop extra ones.
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is unable to erupt into position due to a lack of space or obstruction by bone and gum tissue. Based on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions take place when a wisdom tooth is completely or partially obstructed by bone.
At the office of Hanhan Dental, we closely monitor our patients' dental health during every checkup visit. This includes checking the development, location, and health of the wisdom teeth, as well as the adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your wisdom teeth have room to erupt into place, align correctly, do not have large cavities, and do not cause damage to the adjacent teeth or tissues, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we recommend wisdom teeth extractions, we may perform the procedure in our office or make a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly.
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring that any potential issues with your wisdom teeth are identified and addressed early on. By staying proactive about your dental care, you can help prevent the need for more extensive treatments down the line.
In conclusion, while human evolutionary development has led to smaller jaws and potential issues with wisdom teeth eruption, regular dental checkups can help identify and manage these problems. At the office of Hanhan Dental, our dedicated staff is committed to providing you with personalized care and ensuring that your oral health remains in top condition. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or would like more information about their development and potential impact on your dental health, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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