WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH? Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age. The second molars grow in at around age 12. The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 17 to 21 years. Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, "wisdom teeth." Actually, they are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth. They are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship and have healthy gum tissue around them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Angular Partial Eruption Horizontal Vertical WHEN TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH? The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced and they have no room in the mouth to grow. Symptoms may include: Pain - a very painful infection, called pericoronitis Facial swelling Swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth Bad breath DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT To determine if extracting wisdom teeth is right for your situation, we'll do a thorough examination, which typically includes x-rays. It is often better to remove wisdom teeth early, this allows for easier removal, fewer complications, and faster healing. Wisdom tooth extraction can be performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Doug Tolle, DDS 1712 W. Plymouth St. Bremen Family Dentistry Bremen, IN 46506 574-546-2851 BremenFamilyDentistry.com WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH? Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age. The second molars grow in at around age 12. The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 17 to 21 years. Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, "wisdom teeth." Actually, they are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth. They are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship and have healthy gum tissue around them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Angular Partial Eruption Horizontal Vertical WHEN TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH? The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced and they have no room in the mouth to grow. Symptoms may include: Pain - a very painful infection, called pericoronitis Facial swelling Swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth Bad breath DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT To determine if extracting wisdom teeth is right for your situation, we'll do a thorough examination, which typically includes x-rays. It is often better to remove wisdom teeth early, this allows for easier removal, fewer complications, and faster healing. Wisdom tooth extraction can be performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Doug Tolle, DDS 1712 W. Plymouth St. Bremen Family Dentistry Bremen, IN 46506 574-546-2851 BremenFamilyDentistry.com