Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are so named as they tend to erupt when you are older (and hopefully wiser).  Wisdom teeth are the third molars in an adult set of teeth and appear somewhere around the age of 17 to 21.  When they erupt, they come through the gums in the back of the mouth and complete the entire set of 32 adult teeth.  They comprise the two upper and two lower molars in the very back. 

Some people may not get all four of the third molars.  The reason for this is not known, but it is not uncommon. 

Of all the problems with the teeth in a person’s mouth, wisdom teeth tend to be the biggest culprits.  Wisdom teeth removal is so prevalent in the United States that up to 10 million extractions are performed every year.  The biggest problem with wisdom teeth is impaction, meaning that there is not enough room for them to come through the gums properly.  The teeth become trapped underneath other teeth in the jawbone, they push up on the bottom of the teeth in front of them, or they come in at strange angles. 

If the third molars do make it through the gums, the teeth can become crowded, making it harder to clean them.  If a toothbrush cannot fit behind them properly, they cannot be adequately cleaned, and cavities begin to develop. 

Dr. Kim keeps an eye on wisdom teeth during your semi-annual examinations.  If problems occur, the most common remedy is a simple extraction. 

If you are experiencing any pain or other problems from your wisdom teeth, call Dr. Kim today for a check-up.