Welcome to the world of dental health, where people often wonder about the growth and development of their teeth. One of the most common questions that individuals think about is, Do wisdom teeth stop growing? Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to emerge in the mouth. Typically, they make their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25.Â
Unfortunately, for many individuals, these teeth can be problematic, causing a range of associated issues. In this article, we will explore the growth and development of wisdom teeth and provide insight into whether or not they stop growing. So, if you’re curious about the fate of your wisdom teeth, read on to discover the answer to the question, do wisdom teeth stop growing?
Do Wisdom Teeth Stop Growing
Located at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth have the potential to cause significant issues. Even if they seem fine initially, they can cause issues as time goes on. This is usually because they become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to come in properly. When this happens, they can push on the other teeth, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
While it’s true that the existing teeth and jawbone structure impedes wisdom teeth, they don’t stop growing. This means they can become an even more significant threat over time, making it more challenging to extract them and potentially causing more damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. At our dental office in Oxnard, CA, we often recommend extracting wisdom teeth before they become a bigger problem.
Meaning of Impacted Tooth
When wisdom teeth encounter an obstacle, such as a second molar, they can become impacted. This means they cannot grow or emerge properly and may grow at a diagonal or horizontal angle. This can cause discomfort and pain and lead to other oral health problems. Even though the tooth is blocked from its natural growth path, it will continue to try and grow, leading to further complications. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant discomfort and negatively impact oral health. If you experience pain or notice changes in the growth pattern of your wisdom teeth, seeing a dentist or oral surgeon is essential. They can monitor the tooth’s growth and determine whether it needs to be extracted to prevent future complications. Overall, impacted wisdom teeth do not stop growing but can cause severe complications if left untreated
What is the Solution to The Problem?
Now The question is how to get the solution to this problem. Let’s start to discuss it. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, there is usually no solution besides extraction. It’s because your other teeth have enough power to chew your food, even without your third molars.Â
To remove an impacted wisdom tooth, a dental professional may need to carefully expose the entire tooth structure within the jawbone without damaging nearby bone structures or oral tissues. If this extraction is performed early enough, it may help prevent further damage to your smile.
Is It Good to Extract Wisdom Teeth Early?
Wisdom teeth can cause problems such as pain and damage to other teeth and the jawbone structure. Many people remove their wisdom teeth as soon as they appear to avoid these issues. The process involves examining the position and growth of the wisdom teeth using digital 3D imaging and discussing with the patient whether it’s necessary to extract them. Wisdom tooth extraction aims to prevent discomfort and potential damage to surrounding teeth and the jawbone structure. A thorough examination and consultation with the patient are necessary to determine if extraction is needed. If you are feeling pain or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, it is crucial to set an appointment with a dental professional to determine the best course of action.
How To Handle Wisdom Teeth?
- Monitor for pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection
- Use over-the-counter pain relief medication
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Soft foods and avoiding hard or sticky foods
- Consult a dentist or oral surgeon if symptoms persist or worsen
The Bottom Line: Do Wisdom Teeth Stop Growing
Although impacted wisdom teeth continue to grow and attempt to emerge from the gum line, extraction may be necessary. This is due to the potential complications that can arise, such as pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Therefore, it may be advisable to remove impacted wisdom teeth to prevent further discomfort and maintain good oral health.
