Most Fort Wayne folks have had some exposure to the concept of wisdom teeth. Perhaps you have had yours removed, are considering a removal, or Dr. Holmes has just shown you an X-ray with the dreaded third molars creeping into view.
It’s common to hear patients ask how they are removed, but we rarely hear people talking about the reasons for getting rid of wisdom teeth. Today, we at Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are going to explain what wisdom teeth are, why they don’t deserve to stay in your mouth, and how we can help!
Wisdom teeth are the third set of adult molars. Unlike the rest of your adult teeth, they appear many years later, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people get four wisdom teeth (one in each back corner), but some get fewer, some get more, and some lucky folks never get any. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not confer any special knowledge or enlightenment upon their owners. They just happen to show up later in life than the rest.
There are two basic reasons we remove wisdom teeth – they are impacted (stuck in the gums, jawbone, or both), or they are likely to become a problem. The general idea is laid out below. Make sure to check these reasons out before getting too excited about the potential for extra chomping power:
At the end of the day, it is best to consult with Dr. Holmes to figure out the optimal course of action for your unique situation. If you or your child’s wisdom teeth are coming in without any problems, it may not be necessary to remove them. However, only an X-ray can provide the information necessary to make the right call.
If you do need one or more teeth removed, don’t panic – Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will help you get the care you need! Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_tooth
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/wisdom-teeth
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20050505/wisdom-teeth-removal-often-unnecessary
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Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
10435 Illinois Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46814
Serving Fort Wayne, Columbia City, Roanoke, Allen County, and beyond.
Please call us at (260) 469-3671 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.
Personalized patient care and professionalism, clinical excellence and patient safety have always been our top priorities. Holmes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has always followed the strictest CDC and OSHA regulations, and we hope that our attention to detail and cleanliness is apparent at all of your visits to our practice. We address the importance of pristine, healthy treatment rooms, reception areas, and the office as a whole–including the areas around the outside of the practice each day.
Our protocols for infection control and sterilization are extreme, going above and beyond what is necessary.