The third molar is the last dental unit to appear in each quadrant within the oral cavity. It is also known as wisdom teeth. This name indicates that its appearance is generally in an adult person, and it is assumed that we will have more “judgment from this age.” Its presence is more frequent between 17 and 18 years, although it can appear even for 25 years. However, it is well-known that not all people get wisdom teeth. There are many possible causes of missing third molars, well known to dentists but little known to patients. If you are one of these people and have ever wondered why my wisdom teeth are not coming out, we invite you to read this article by FastlyHealwhere we will talk about the subject.
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Agenesis of the third molar
The word agenesis refers to the absence of the formation. Therefore, it means that it is the absence of the third molar. Researchers associate agenesis with evolution since the human body has evolved not to form these dental units because they are far back in the mouth and do not usually represent much help in the chewing process. It is widespread to observe this absence in several family members due to the genetic component.
The absence of the wisdom teeth can be total, or only some of them, and they are considered the teeth that less come out compared to other dental units. Confirmation of the agenesis of the third molars is made by the dentist when he studies a panoramic radiograph of the patient since, in this, the third molars can be seen in their different stages of development, even when they are inside the bone.
Evolution of the jaws
Other theories suggest that the absence of third molars may be due rather to anatomical changes in the maxilla and mandible, since over the thousands of years during which man has evolved, these two bones have become shorter because it became less and less necessary to chew hard food thanks to the development of cooking and food preparation techniques. This theory goes hand in hand with the agenesis of the molars since as the size of the bones decreases, there is less and less space for the third molars, so the body does not develop them.
Improper position of the third molar
Another possibility is that your wisdom tooth has not emerged because it is in the wrong position. Suppose you are already in the period when this dental unit may appear, and it is not observed. In that case, the dentist will indicate a panoramic X-ray to confirm if the molar is retained within the bone due to a wrong position or if it is indeed absent.
Retained third molars due to misposition can cause symptoms of pain, pressure, and crowding of the teeth, although many times, they may also cause no symptoms at all. Teeth in these conditions are usually indicated for extraction if they generate any of the above symptoms. The extraction procedure is more complex due to limited access to the tooth. In cases where they do not produce any symptoms, the dentist might consider not doing the extraction and keeping it under surveillance at least once a year.
Diagnostic visit with your dentist
If you are already at the age when the third molars erupt and do not have any symptoms that indicate they may be coming out, you must attend the dentist since it may well be happening instead that the third molar is retained in a wrong position. This is important to rule out because they can cause damage to other teeth, such as the third molar in a horizontal position that touches the root of the second molar, to the point of displacing it, or worse, consuming its origin causing damage. Irreversible on this other tooth.
The dentist will ask you to take a panoramic X-ray to rule out or confirm the absence of the molar, and in the cases where it is present, decide whether it is necessary to remove it or if it can be left.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.