Dental Terms

Dental Patient Education Resources

Third molar

Third molar Nepean

Wisdom Teeth in Nepean

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a set of molars located at the back of the human dentition, with one in each of the four quadrants. These molars typically begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. While most adults have four wisdom teeth, it's possible to have fewer or more, and these additional teeth are referred to as supernumerary teeth. Wisdom teeth often pose issues as they develop and can become impacted. Consequently, they are frequently extracted, either when problems arise or as a preventive measure.

Wisdom teeth are considered vestigial third molars that played a role in helping our human ancestors grind plant tissue. It is believed that the skulls of early human ancestors featured larger jaws with more teeth, possibly aiding in the chewing of foliage to compensate for the inefficiency in digesting the cellulose that comprises plant cell walls. However, with the advent of agriculture approximately 10,000 years ago, human diets transitioned to include softer foods rich in carbohydrates and high-energy content. These dietary changes have led to reduced forward growth in our jaws compared to our Paleolithic ancestors, resulting in insufficient space for the eruption of wisdom teeth.

Contact Citigate Dental at 613-440-4423 to schedule your appointment with our dentists. Our practice is conveniently located at 4285 Strandherd Drive, Unit #12 in Nepean, ON.

You might be interested in...

Cantilever bridge
Dental Terms

Cantilever bridge

Cantilever Bridge Nepean

Information about Cantilever Bridges in Nepean

In many cases, when replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth with a dental bridge, the pon

READ MORE

One of the first things people notice is your smile. Achieve healthy and attractive teeth with the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques.

A beautiful smile can give patients a lifetime of happiness! Give us a call !