Patients in Indianapolis, IN ask, “When is wisdom tooth extraction needed?”
An individual’s teeth develop in stages and serve various functions. The types of teeth are identified as incisors, cuspids (also known as canines), bicuspids (also called premolars), and molars.
Incisors emerge between the ages of 6 and 8 years and allow for cutting food with their sharp edges.
Cuspids, or canines, grow between 9 and 12 years of age and hold, secure, and shred food.
Bicuspids, or premolars, show between 10 and 12 years of age and, like cuspids, allow an individual to hold and, additionally, crush food.
Molars grind food and emerge in stages as well, with the first molars showing at ages 6 to 7. The second molars are seen around 11 to 13 years of age. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, develop between 17 and 21 years old.
Wisdom teeth may serve a healthy function, however, in many cases, they can emerge in misalignment and crowd or damage nearby teeth, bone, or nerves. At times, wisdom teeth may not fully erupt, remaining partially beneath gum tissue or bone, creating a risk for infection. This condition is referred to as impaction.
Dr. Matthew Church at Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis is an experienced and gentle Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Our team offers a complete range of advanced dental care for all ages, as well as oral surgery and extraction, including wisdom tooth removal. Prior to wisdom tooth extraction, Dr. Church will conduct a thorough consultation and discuss details of the procedure including anesthesia or sedation. Removal of wisdom teeth often relieves discomfort associated with development.
Washington Street Dentistry serves families from Cumberland, East Indianapolis, Lawrence, Anderson, New Palestine, Greenfield, and beyond with, general, family, and emergency care. With a total array of dental care services for patients of all ages and convenient evening and weekend hours, our patients can have all of their needs taken care of in one welcoming location. Call us today at (317) 333-6788 for an appointment or consultation.
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