Unfortunately, that's not the case. So, why are those pesky third molars that cause so many so much discomfort called "Wisdom Teeth"?
Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the jaws. They usually present themselves in the late teen years, which coincides with passage into adulthood and is referred to by some as the age of wisdom; hence "wisdom teeth". Unfortunately, more often than not, the wisdom teeth are now usually trying to erupt into a jaw that is too small.
SO, HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth present potential problems when they are misaligned - they can position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars or be angled inward or outward. Ask your dentist about the positioning of your wisdom teeth. He or she may take an X-ray periodically to evaluate for the presence and alignment of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist may also decide to send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted even before problems develop. This is done to avoid a more painful or more complicated extraction that might have to be done a few years later. Removal is easier in young people, when the wisdom teeth roots are not yet fully developed and the bone is less dense. In older people, recovery and healing time tend to be longer.
If you feel you have problems with your wisdom teeth, give us a call for a free consultation at 502-244-9595 or visit our website at www.mortensonfamilydental.com to find a location near you.
