Do Teeth Grow Back After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?
As the last set of teeth to develop and erupt in the mouth sometime between the ages of 16 and 20, this set of third molars are so named because by the time they appear, it is thought that a person should have matured and achieved some wisdom.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth And Why Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
One common belief is that our ancestors had large jaws which easily accommodated a full set of teeth. As humans have evolved, our jaw bones have become smaller but we still have the same number of teeth. Oftentimes, there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to fully erupt. They may come in at an angle, sideways, partially, or not at all. A partially erupted tooth has a soft flap of gum tissue covering part of the surface of the tooth, making the area very difficult to clean. Accumulation of bacteria around the site can lead to swelling, pain, infection and gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth are trapped under gum tissue by neighboring molars and bone which can lead to a host of problems, including pain, infection, damage to surrounding bone and molars as well as crowding of other teeth; hence, wisdom teeth extraction.
For many patients, wisdom teeth extraction is done to prevent possible future problems. Dr. Rita Peck, your Gilbert dentist, recommends people, especially those in their mid to late teens, have their wisdom teeth evaluated. Removing them in a young adult as opposed to extraction later in life is easier because the roots are not yet fully formed and the jaw bone is not as dense, thus lowering the risk of complications. This preventative treatment is a very important measure in achieving and maintaining a healthy mouth.
For more information, please call our office Gilbert Vista Dental Care 480-503-5467.
Gilbert Vista Dental Care
2451 East Baseline Road #210
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 503-5467
drritapeck.com
