Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, develop in the back of the mouth between the ages of 14-21. Some people develop all four molars, while others develop none. You already have second molars for chewing food, making wisdom teeth unnecessary. Further, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage other teeth, and lead to other dental issues, so they must be surgically removed.
For nearly 50 years at Innovative Oral Surgery, we have had the privilege of serving our communities with the highest level of oral surgery care. We love what we do and look forward to providing you and your loved ones with an outstanding patient experience in wisdom teeth removal.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth aided our ancestors in breaking down tough, uncooked food. They develop behind the regular adult molars. However, because our mouths and jaws are smaller, some fully erupt into the dental arch, while others remain trapped beneath the gums. These are called impacted wisdom teeth and pose a significant risk to oral health.
Most people develop wisdom teeth, and it is common for all four to erupt. However, 20-25% of people only develop 1-3, and about 30% are born without them.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Once wisdom teeth appear, it’s usually hard for them to go unnoticed. Signs that indicate wisdom teeth are coming in include the following:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Pain or soreness in the jaw
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Neck pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath or taste in the mouth despite consistent hygiene
- Difficulty swallowing
A fully impacted wisdom tooth threatens the health of adjacent teeth. It can damage other teeth roots or facial nerves, and push your teeth out of alignment.
Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
They should be removed to stop the pain and prevent further complications. If you have wisdom teeth that have grown in without experiencing any pain or symptoms, it is essential to consult an oral surgeon to determine if extraction is necessary. In many cases, even without symptoms, it is wise to remove them as problems can arise, e.g., cysts, tumors, infection, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Removing wisdom teeth is a preventive measure to protect your oral health. Consult a wisdom teeth removal doctor to determine what’s best for you.
Schedule a Consultation at Innovative Oral Surgery
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we built our practice on trust and provide excellent care to help our patients achieve better oral health and a more confident smile. Our board-certified oral surgeons perform wisdom tooth extractions in the comfort of our surgical suites in Feasterville-Trevose, Newtown, and Abington, PA.
We make the wisdom teeth removal process seamless and ensure your comfort at every step. Contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today to schedule a wisdom teeth consultation for you or your child.