Wisdom teeth can be very frustrating. They sometimes hurt coming in, and they often need to be extracted shortly after. In fact, they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. So, why do you even get them in the first place? Here’s some interesting background about your third molars, and why they’re frequently removed.
Why Do You Get Wisdom Teeth?
Despite what their name implies, your wisdom teeth won’t make you any wiser. They get their name because they appear at an age when you’re a bit more experienced than you were when you got the rest of your permanent teeth.
Wisdom teeth are believed to have first emerged to replace permanent teeth that became prematurely worn down by early man’s diet. Ancient foods consisted of foods like roots, nuts, seeds, and raw meats, all of which caused excessive wear on the molars.
Over time, modern cooking methods eventually phased out these raw foods, keeping teeth healthier and reducing the need for these backup molars.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth So Dangerous?
Despite the fact that modern diets make the need for wisdom teeth obsolete, that still shouldn’t automatically make them problematic. The real reason many patients end up needing them extracted is because when wisdom teeth first appeared in early humans, their jaws were much bigger. Thus, they could easily accommodate four or more extra molars. Today, however, your jaw is much smaller, which means these backup teeth often have nowhere to go, and as a result can cause a variety of painful dental problems from crowding to impaction.
Impaction is the term used to describe when a tooth grows sideways into your existing healthy molars. This frequently causes them to break these molars or create crowding that can damage your bite. It can also be difficult to clean your teeth properly, leaving them prone to frequent cavities and increasing your risk of gum disease. Because of this, your dentist may recommend extracting your wisdom teeth to protect your gums and the rest of your teeth.
The Benefits of Tooth Extraction
While nobody likes hearing they need a tooth extraction, the good news is that your dentist is highly trained at removing them and will only recommend this procedure if it is necessary to protect your healthy teeth. Wisdom tooth removal is a very common treatment that will benefit your oral health, and you can rest assured that your dentist will only suggest it if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Remember, though wisdom teeth once served an important purpose, thanks to today’s modern diets and food preparation methods, they are largely unnecessary. In fact, they can often be dangerous to your neighboring teeth. Thus, if your dentist has recommended wisdom tooth extraction, it is in the best interest of you and your healthy, beautiful smile to have them removed.
About Dr. Hansen
Dr. JD Hansen earned his undergraduate degree at BYU and his dental degree at the University of Louisville. He has received advanced training in dental implants, porcelain veneers, IV sedation, and wisdom tooth extraction. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, don’t wait for them to wreak havoc on your smile. Schedule an extraction at White Peak Dental today by visiting our website or calling us directly at 801-719-2113.