Your teen’s third and final set of molars can cause problems when ignored. These teeth, commonly called wisdom teeth, arrive in later adolescence or the early twenties; often, there is not enough room in the back of the oral ridge to fit them. They are an evolutionary holdover from a time when we had larger, more powerful jaws, and today, we have a slimmer face than our ancestors. These teeth can force existing teeth out of alignment, and the growth is sometimes powerful enough to crack a natural molar.
When your teen is reaching that age, be sure to keep them on track with consistent checkups with their dentist. At Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, we use advanced imagery to identify growing smile concerns, and their biannual dental check is their opportunity to stay ahead of potential harm. If your child’s dentist recommends the removal of their third and final set of molars, ask about the wisdom teeth extraction process from a trusted local team. To find out more about keeping your teen’s smile safe as they grow into adulthood, call us today!