Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the back corners of the mouth during the late teens or early twenties. While they can be valuable for chewing certain types of food in our ancestral past, many people nowadays don't have sufficient space in their jaws to accommodate these extra teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they don't fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to various issues such as pain, swelling, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
Due to their location at the back of the mouth and the potential lack of space, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean properly. This can make them more susceptible to decay, gum disease, and infections. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing crowding, misalignment, and discomfort. To prevent these problems and alleviate associated pain and risks, Dr. Carlson will examine and sometimes recommend extracting wisdom teeth. Extraction is a common procedure done to remove impacted or problematic wisdom teeth before they cause further complications.
