WISDOM TEETH PROBLEMS, IMPACTED EETH, OO MANY TEET Wisdom Teeth Problems If your dentist says your wisdom teeth, or third molars, came in problem-free, count yourself lucky. Most people-90%-have at least one wisdom tooth that's impacted, or not able to fully grow in. Problems with your wisdom teeth can cause cavities, damage to neighboring teeth, and gum disease. Wisdom teeth generally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Your dentist should track their progress. If they become a problem, you may need to have them removed. Impacted Teeth An adult tooth that doesn't come in properly is "impacted." It usually happens when a tooth is stuck against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue. If it isn't bothering you, a dentist may recommend leaving it alone. But if it hurts or may cause problems later on, an oral surgeon can remove it. Too Many Teeth: Hyperdontia How many teeth are in your mouth? If you're like most people, you had 20 primary, or "baby," teeth, and you now have 32 adult teeth. It's rare, but some people have extra teeth, a condition called hyperdontia. People who have it may also have another condition, such as a cleft palate or Gardner's Syndrome (which forms tumors that aren't cancer). The treatment is to get the extra teeth removed and use orthodontics to correct the bite. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1789438 WISDOM TEETH PROBLEMS, IMPACTED EETH, OO MANY TEET Wisdom Teeth Problems If your dentist says your wisdom teeth, or third molars, came in problem-free, count yourself lucky. Most people-90%-have at least one wisdom tooth that's impacted, or not able to fully grow in. Problems with your wisdom teeth can cause cavities, damage to neighboring teeth, and gum disease. Wisdom teeth generally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Your dentist should track their progress. If they become a problem, you may need to have them removed. Impacted Teeth An adult tooth that doesn't come in properly is "impacted." It usually happens when a tooth is stuck against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue. If it isn't bothering you, a dentist may recommend leaving it alone. But if it hurts or may cause problems later on, an oral surgeon can remove it. Too Many Teeth: Hyperdontia How many teeth are in your mouth? If you're like most people, you had 20 primary, or "baby," teeth, and you now have 32 adult teeth. It's rare, but some people have extra teeth, a condition called hyperdontia. People who have it may also have another condition, such as a cleft palate or Gardner's Syndrome (which forms tumors that aren't cancer). The treatment is to get the extra teeth removed and use orthodontics to correct the bite. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1789438