Understanding Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars (third molars), which
usually erupt between the ages of 17 to 21. They are called "wisdom
teeth" because they emerge at a more mature age.
Do They Always Need Removal?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If these teeth erupt in the
correct position and alignment, extractions are not indicated.
Sometimes they may remain unerupted and cause no problems.
Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help monitor the development and position of your wisdom teeth to determine if any intervention is needed.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
What Is Impaction?
Impaction means that your wisdom teeth will not grow into a position
that allows them to be functional teeth. Impaction can be due to
soft tissues/gums or hard tissues such as other teeth or bone.
Impacted teeth are generally more likely to cause problems.
Types of Impaction
There are several types of impaction, including soft tissue
impaction (where the tooth has broken through the bone but not the
gum) and hard tissue impaction (where the tooth is fully encased in
bone).
Partially Impacted Teeth
Partially impacted teeth can impede cleaning as they usually lean
into the adjacent teeth, creating food trap and often would lead to
decay or gum problems to both wisdom teeth and the adjacent teeth.