The last
teeth to erupt into the mouth are commonly referred to as “Wisdom Teeth”. These
teeth can make their appearance anytime between the mid-teens and the mid-twenties.
Quite often your dentist will order a particular
type of x-ray known as a “pan”. This x-ray allows the dentist to count the
number of teeth present and diagnose any potential eruption problems. Eruption difficulties
occur most often with these last teeth to erupt into the mouth. There is frequently a lack of space to
accommodate these late comers hence the prescription to extract these last
molars to avoid possible difficult and painful issues later. Sometimes the
prescription for the extraction of these teeth will come from an orthodontist again
the lack of space being the issue.
The vast
majority of “wisdom” teeth are extracted by dental specialists known as Oral
Surgeons. This so because the extractions proposed are usually complicated and
require special expertise and experience that oral surgeons provide.. The
referral is made with the patient’s comfort and ease foremost in the referring
dentist’s mind.
So if being
a teenager is not difficult enough it is this period of life that is most ideal
time to have problem wisdom teeth removed. Just one more “rite of passage” to
deal with during an often tumultuous time of life.
Cheers
Dr. Shawn
Lee a Vernon Dentist
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