Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in the mouth. They are the third and final set of molars located at the back of the upper and lower jaws. Usually, wisdom teeth grow in between the ages of 17 and 21, but they can start developing beneath the gums as early as age 13. Wisdom teeth got their name because typically a person gets them around the time they become an adult — the beginning of their wiser years.
Most people develop four wisdom teeth — one on each side of their upper and lower jaws — although some people only develop three or less. Some people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all. In rare cases, it’s also possible to develop more than four wisdom teeth.
When wisdom teeth grow in normally, they can add some chewing power to your existing molars. The problem is that most mouths are too small for the extra set of molars to grow in straight. Instead, the wisdom teeth tend to grow in sideways, become impacted, cause infection, or damage adjacent teeth. Since humans already have two other sets of molars, dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth removed to avoid these problems.
Where can I have wisdom teeth removed near Alexandria, LA or Natchitoches, LA?
Alexandria Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center has been providing safe and effective wisdom teeth extractions for over 30 years. Our oral surgeons will be happy to examine your teeth and determine whether you are a candidate for extraction. If you or your child needs to have wisdom teeth removed, contact one of our offices in Alexandria, LA, or Natchitoches, LA, for more information.