As you grow through adolescence and into adulthood, one last set of molars develops in the back of your jaw. These teeth are evolutionary holdovers from a time when human mouths were much larger and stronger. Since we did not cook our meat at the time, early man needed more chewing power than we do now. Currently, wisdom teeth often pose problems to orthodontics and even into general dentistry.
This means that during your teens and early adult years, scheduling consistent visits for imagery is highly important. Radiography like x-rays can give you and your trained dental health professional the proper information before these molars can cause lasting damage. Wisdom teeth can push the existing structures forward and cause crowding and areas where they overlap. Stick to a regimen of visits every six months to determine if an extraction is necessary. At Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, we know that preventive care can save time and effort in the long run. Track the growth of your last set of molars and give yourself more flexibility and freedom!
Make The Effort And See The Results
The teenage years are pivotal in the development of a full healthy mouth into adulthood. One of the most important events within this time is the growth of the last set of molars. These are known as the wisdom teeth, and when they grow improperly, they can cause serious damage.
These molars are left over from a long time ago when humans ate raw meat. Prehistoric humans needed more chewing power and also were more likely to experience tooth failure than we are today. Nowadays, we do not need them and often do not have the space for them within our jaw. They often grow erratically as well, pushing things forward or growing too far back in the jaw, which prevents you from closing your mouth.
Early Appointments Give You More Flexibility
Take the time to schedule routine examinations with your dentist during these years. The development of wisdom teeth is incredibly risky to undergo alone, so allow the use of x-rays to track growth before it leads to misalignment and malocclusion. The technology is there, be sure to use it!
Setting early regular visits is also beneficial in keeping your schedule as open as possible. When wisdom tooth extraction becomes an urgent issue, you have less freedom and flexibility.
Be Prepared For Your Wisdom Teeth In Maple Grove, MN
The development of your last set of molars is crucial to the proper development of your smile. Early detection and monitoring can give you the most flexibility in your appointments and possible tooth extraction. To schedule an appointment, or if you have any further questions, please call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.