Wisdom teeth are an interesting phenomenon in the world of permanent teeth. As the last teeth to erupt, they often don’t have the room they need to grow comfortably and must be extracted for the sake of your smile’s good health. Unlike your other teeth, however, wisdom teeth don’t need replacement if they must be extracted. Your Astoria dentist, Dr. Leibowitz, explores why wisdom teeth follow a different set of rules than the rest of your permanent teeth, and whether or not you should have yours extracted.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Officially, wisdom teeth are known as third molars and typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. This period was once known as the age of wisdom, hence the nickname wisdom teeth. Although a typical, healthy human mouth can comfortably accommodate 28 permanent teeth, the addition of your wisdom teeth brings the total count to 32. Your existing teeth may impede the progress of these molars, but they won’t stop your wisdom teeth from continuing to grow.
Pros & Cons of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a host of dental issues, and the tooth discomfort is often debilitating. Experts believe our ancestors may have needed the extra chewing power of these teeth to consume a rougher diet; however, today, they are largely unnecessary for your mouth to perform its duties. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, then their extraction may be your best option. Since your smile can function effectively without them, preemptively removing your wisdom teeth may help you avoid the discomfort of impacted wisdom teeth without affecting your smile’s proper function.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth with Your Astoria Dentist
To learn more about wisdom teeth, or to find out if you should have yours extracted, schedule a consultation with your Astoria dentist by calling our office today at (718) 728-8320. Located in the 11106 area, we proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
