Dr. Chad Winthrop, the dentist from Discovery Dental in Eagle River, Alaska, often gets asked about wisdom teeth. Both he and his staff are committed to providing the best possible experience for their patients, some of whom may be ideal candidates for wisdom teeth removal.

To help you gain a better understanding about wisdom teeth, the Discovery Dental team offers this brief Wisdom Teeth 101 overview:

When Do Wisdom Teeth Develop?

For most people, wisdom teeth begin to appear during their late teens or early twenties. They are considered the final set of molars, and while some individuals have wisdom teeth that break through the skin, other people’s teeth will stay completely impacted. Some lucky individuals don’t even have wisdom teeth.

Why Do Most People Have Them Removed?

Typically, a dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extraction because they can cause complications with the alignment of your other teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth may also be improperly angled. Wisdom teeth that are misaligned or angled improperly can cause damage to your teeth as well as your jawbone due to crowding.

A dentist may also encourage a patient to consider having a wisdom tooth extraction because it’s a good practice for preventative dental care. When wisdom teeth erupt partially through the gum line, it creates an opening through which bacteria can enter and cause infection. Additionally, teeth that are only partially erupted can be more likely to decay, because they can be difficult to clean.

Painful Wisdom Teeth? Schedule An Appointment

To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or to make an appointment for any of your general dental care needs, call Discovery Dental in Eagle River at (907) 622-5437. You can also learn more about the dentist and his services by visiting the office’s website.