September Dental Tips
From Dr. Karen Fenichel and her team
Three answers to make you
smarter about wisdom teeth
W
isdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth that appear in your mouth. How much wisdom do you have
about these special teeth? Take this quick true-false quiz and find out!
Wisdom teeth make you smarter.
False. They’re called wisdom teeth because they arrive sometime
around 14 yeas old or later. This early adulthood period is considered
by many the Age of Wisdom. Another explanation for the name is
that “wisdom teeth” is actually a mistranslation of a Dutch description of the teeth that meant far-standing molars.
Wisdom teeth must always be removed.
False, but they must always be evaluated. Third molars can arrive in
perfect condition and properly lined up. Unfortunately, it’s more
common to find that there’s no room for them, they’re out of alignment or misshapen. They can even present with cysts. Any of these
conditions will make it necessary to remove them. Because they are
located in the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth are very difficult to
keep clean, making them very susceptible to decay and infection.
Everybody has four wisdom teeth
False, but usually true. Indeed, most people do have four wisdom
teeth, but people can be born with fewer. In rare instances, people can be born with more wisdom teeth!
Checking wisdom teeth is a routine part of Dr. Fenichel’s exam of any patient in their early teens or older. Using regular and
special panoramic x-rays, she’s able to watch the teeth develop and counsel patients and parents about caring for wisdom
teeth or removing them. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or anything else in your mouth, ask Dr. Fenichel to
share some of her wisdom with you.
HALLOWEEN ALERT – We’re gearing up for Operation Gratitude again this year. We’ll be buying back Halloween Candy and arranging for it to be
shipped to our soldiers and sailors serving overseas. Watch for more information.
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A monthly dental tip from
Jockey Hollow Dentistry
5 Cold Hill Road South Ste 8 ● Mendham, N.J. 07945
(973) 543-4828 ● info@jockeyhollowdentistry.com
www.jockeyhollowdentistry.com
Remember: You receive a new toothbrush with your regular check-ups
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