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What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

  • By Shawn Walton
  • 25 Aug, 2016
Why do we have wisdom teeth? After our baby teeth fall out, and our adult teeth grow in, we’re done, right? Wrong! Wisdom teeth grow in after all the others, usually right around the time we reach adulthood. For this reason, they get the name “wisdom teeth,” because we are presumably wiser than we were at age 6 or 7, when our first permanent teeth were making their appearance.

When, Where, and Why Do Wisdom Teeth Appear?

Wisdom teeth are large molars that come in behind the permanent second molars. They usually appear somewhere between 17-21 years of age, and are often marked by some discomfort and soreness. Usually, a person has four wisdom teeth: two on the top, and two on the bottom. Ideally, wisdom teeth are powerful teeth that help us chew, but today, with many people suffering from overcrowding and narrow jaws, they can be problematic.

Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are large, and often don’t have enough room to come into the mouth in the proper position. They can come in sideways, or become “impacted,” getting stuck between the jaw and gum. An impacted wisdom tooth can damage the other teeth around it through overcrowding, infection, and cyst formation.    

Wisdom teeth, especially those in the wrong position, can be challenging to floss and clean. They can harbor bacteria, leading to decay and infection. Infected wisdom teeth cause pain, swelling, potential dental damage, and even an emergency room visit in extreme cases. For this reason, many people elect to have wisdom teeth removal as a preventative measure. Not only does wisdom teeth removal/extraction prevent unexpected and serious problems later on, but earlier surgery also avoids the necessity of removing wisdom teeth later in life, when the risk of complications or the presence of other health problems may be greater.

If you’re looking for superior dentists in Sioux City, look no further than Walton Dental Health. At Walton Dental Health, we provide the best dental care to our patients through a variety of general dentistry services including extractions, crowns and bridges. Led by Dr. Shawn, we pride ourselves for being Sioux City’s “one-stop shop” for all your dental needs. Stop into our Sioux City office and let us determine whether or not you are in need of wisdom teeth removal. Visit our website for more information or call (712) 255-7607 to make your appointment with Walton Dental Health today!
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A beautiful smile can improve your self-esteem and health! Many people don't realize how important oral health is to overall health. Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums are key in preventing bigger oral health problems. With a few easy steps and regular trips to the dentist, you can reap the rewards of a healthy smile.

A dental checkup every 6 months ensures your teeth are in top shape and there aren't any oral issues developing. In addition to regular checkups, we recommend you practice these easy steps in your dental routine:
  • Brush at least 2 times a day, for upwards of 3 minutes.
  • Always keep your toothbrush clean and know when it's time to invest in a new toothbrush. 
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach. 
  • Eat healthy foods packed with calcium, vitamin A and C. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. 
  • Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. 
  • Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups. For best results, visit a dentist every 6 months, approximately twice a year. 
At Walton Dental Health, we want you to achieve a happy, healthy, picture perfect smile! With more than 20 years in the business, we provide patient-centered service for a range of dental needs. Let us provide you with superior oral care including extractions, children's dentistry, root canals, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, implant restoration, teeth cleaning, periodontal disease treatment and more. The steps you take for your dental hygiene now will make a big different later on!
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