300 North Hammes Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
The arrival of your third molars, or wisdom teeth, can mark a significant milestone on your dental journey. Typically emerging between ages 17 and 25, these late bloomers often emerge at the back of the mouth. Given that this period coincides with the transition from adolescence into adulthood, these teeth have earned the nickname "wisdom teeth."
While some individuals may enjoy a smooth relationship between their wisdom teeth and the rest of their dental landscape, others face problems that can necessitate extraction. For many young adults, discomfort from emerging wisdom teeth is often the driving force behind urgent dental care visits.
With limited space in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are more prone to encountering issues. While our prehistoric ancestors may have boasted sufficiently large jaws to accommodate these extra molars, human jaw size has shrunk over time. Researchers believe this development is due to our softer diets and larger brains.
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it remains submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot erupt into its proper position. Depending on the type and quantity of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions arise when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue. If a wisdom tooth is partially or fully obstructed by bone, it's known as a bony impaction.
Besides the prevalence of wisdom tooth impactions and poor alignment, maintaining cleanliness and preventing cavities and gum disease in these far-back teeth can be challenging. As positioned at the back of the mouth, these teeth are particularly susceptible to bacterial accumulation, dental issues, and infection. Our office may recommend extracting third molars to help mitigate the risk of these oral health problems, preserving the overall well-being of your gums and neighboring teeth. Removing third molars eliminates the need for navigating hard-to-reach areas, making it simpler and healthier to maintain a better oral hygiene routine.
In rare cases, wisdom teeth may contribute to the formation of cysts or tumors around the impacted tooth. These problems can cause extensive damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
At our dental practice, we closely monitor the development, positioning, and health of unerupted and erupted wisdom teeth during every checkup visit for teens and adults of all ages. We often recommend the extraction of potentially problematic wisdom teeth before a painful or complex emergency arises. Should symptoms and issues develop, we provide prompt treatment and recommend extractions as needed.
Incorporating the latest findings from the American Dental Association, our dedicated staff at Steven E. Marek, DDS, LTD strive to deliver exceptional dental care in a comfortable and caring environment. We're always here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about your oral health. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.