Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are vestigial teeth in the back of your child’s mouth that will eventually attempt to emerge from the gums. Most people choose to have their child’s wisdom teeth removed after their 32 permanent teeth have replaced their primary teeth.
The average person will develop four wisdom teeth. However, it’s not unheard of for some individuals to have as many as six wisdom teeth while others might have zero.
Most children’s wisdom teeth start to emerge in mid-to-late adolescence. Early symptoms often include a deep ache in the gums or rear of the jaw. Some people complain of tension and pressure in the jaw muscles as well. An impacted wisdom tooth that is trapped in the gums can cause pain, infection and can potentially damage their existing molars.
Should one or more of your child’s wisdom teeth emerge from the gums without complications, the tooth will still be prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Because of the location and shallow position in the gums, wisdom teeth are often challenging to clean, making them prone to these issues. This can actually have a negative impact on the healthy molars in the back of the mouth.
If you are considering having your child’s wisdom teeth extracted in Pleasant Grove, Utah, you should call our experienced dental team at 801.785.2574 to set up an appointment with your dentist, Dr. G. Trevor Smith.
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