Wisdom teeth removal by dentist Alina Kostenko

There is a widespread, but nevertheless erroneous, belief that wisdom teeth (eighth teeth, third molars - scientifically) can erupt in a person at any age. In fact, this is not true. The rudiments of the third molars begin to form at 6-7 years, which is often detected during a routine X-ray examination, and the roots of the eighth teeth begin to form at 15-17 years. Wisdom teeth finish forming at 21-22 years (in rare cases - at 25-27 years).

A complete set of third molars—one on each side and one on each jaw—is found in 92% of the adult population.
In 78% of cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth is associated with various complications. This may include pericoronitis, as well as destruction, changes in the position of adjacent teeth, malocclusion, neoplastic processes, etc. In 0.1% of cases, not four, but a greater number of wisdom teeth develop - usually six, due to double upper third molars.

The influence of wisdom teeth on the dental system:

• By creating a non-specific lateral load on the dental arch, third molars are one of the main causes of crowded teeth. And not only during the eruption period.
• Very often, in almost 80% of cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth is associated with various purulent-inflammatory complications and poses a real danger to health and life. A hood of mucous membrane forms over the erupting tooth, and a pocket is created around it, where plaque, food debris and bacteria actively accumulate.
• It is important to know that it is useless to hope for the correct and uncomplicated eruption of wisdom teeth if the patient has a clear lack of space in the dental row.
• In general, indications for the removal of wisdom teeth can be formulated as follows: any disease, complication associated with wisdom teeth, as well as the risk of developing these diseases or complications.