Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, get their
name by being the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. As part of a
dental visit, your dentist will examine you to determine if your wisdom teeth
are healthy and properly positioned.
Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may
need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as:
- pain
- infection
- cysts
- tumors
- damage to adjacent teeth
- gum disease
- tooth decay (if it is not possible or desirable to
restore the tooth)
Your dentist or specialist may also recommend removal to
prevent problems or for others reasons, such as when removal is part of an
orthodontic, restorative or periodontal treatment plan.
In addition, the condition of your mouth changes over time.
Wisdom teeth that are not removed should continue to be monitored, because the
potential for developing problems later on still exists. As with many other
health conditions, as people age, they are at greater risk for health problems
and that includes potential problems with their wisdom teeth. Regular dental
visits are important so your dentist can evaluate not just your wisdom teeth
but your overall oral health to help you prevent and manage dental disease and
achieve optimal oral health.
Above article from: www.MouthHealthy.org
Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000
