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Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth are actually the 3rd molars. They develop inside the bone (as all other teeth do) beginning at age 9. These teeth
are the last to form and the farthest back.
| If you're genetically lucky, the jaws are long
enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth in a
proper erupted position. In this position, if they
can be kept clean, they may be used. |  |
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Most often, the jaw is not long
enough and the wisdom teeth form
within the curvature of the jaw.
This is referred to as impacted
(trapped) inside the jaw bone.
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There are several possible problems that may be associated with wisdom teeth.
| If a wisdom tooth becomes partially exposed thru
the gums, bacteria will fill the space around the
crown of the tooth. Since this is an area that you
can not cleanse, an infection
will begin. |  |
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Sometimes, the infection will
become so intense, that the bone
itself becomes infected.
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It is possible that the
wisdom tooth may
cause destruction of
the molar just in front
of it.
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For these reasons, most often, I advise patients to have their wisdom teeth removed. Teeth all form the crown first and then the
roots form and grow to length. For this reason I recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed sooner rather than later (before
the roots fully form).
Most people believe that the wisdom teeth will push the other teeth forward (especially on the lower) and cause crowding to
occur in the front teeth. I do not believe this is the case, rather, I believe that the crowding that occurs is due to other factors.
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