Do wisdom teeth keep growing?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a common topic of discussion among dental patients. Many people wonder if these teeth continue to grow throughout life. In this article, we will explore the growth patterns of wisdom teeth and shed light on whether they keep growing.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the human mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. They are named “wisdom” teeth because they usually appear during the late teenage years, a time when individuals are supposed to have gained more wisdom. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and their growth patterns can vary significantly from person to person.
Do Wisdom Teeth Keep Growing?
The simple answer to whether wisdom teeth keep growing is: no, they do not. Once wisdom teeth have erupted, their growth process comes to a halt. These teeth are fully developed and will not continue to grow in size or number.
Why Wisdom Teeth Stop Growing
The reason why wisdom teeth stop growing once they have erupted is due to the natural progression of dental development. During childhood and adolescence, the primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) are gradually replaced by permanent teeth, including the wisdom teeth. As the jawbone grows and the permanent teeth emerge, there is a finite amount of space available for additional teeth.
Impactions and Wisdom Teeth
In some cases, wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they fail to fully erupt into the mouth. This can occur when there is insufficient space for the teeth to grow properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various dental issues, such as pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. However, the impact itself does not contribute to the continued growth of the teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth do not keep growing once they have erupted. Their growth process comes to an end, and they remain in their final position. While the size of wisdom teeth may vary, they will not continue to grow in size or number throughout life. Understanding the growth patterns of wisdom teeth can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their dental care and treatment options.
