Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Lancaster, Lititz, and Hummelstown / Harrisburg, PA

Around the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth. Unfortunately, for many people, the upper and lower jaws are not large enough to allow for passive eruption of all of these teeth in the mouth. The last teeth to develop are the third molars (wisdom teeth). When they align properly and are easily cleansable, they do not need to be removed. Oftentimes, these teeth develop at abnormal angles, only partially erupt through the gums, cause crowding or damage to neighboring teeth, or develop pathology later in life. Both medical and dental research provide clear evidence of the benefits of early wisdom teeth removal. In fact, patients older than 25 years of age have a much higher risk of developing periodontal disease or cavities at the third molar sites. These diseases cause deep pocketing at the site where bacteria thrive. This is not only bad for your oral health, but over time, can lead to increased levels of systemic inflammation which contributes to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.