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Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

August 12, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — dentcare @ 6:56 am
Teen after wisdom tooth removal

The placement of each of your teeth serves a purpose. For instance, our front teeth are in the position to rip apart food so it can be chewed by smaller molars. So, if all of the teeth matter, why do the wisdom teeth need to be removed more often than not? Why do they even exist? Continue reading to learn what their purpose is and why they need to be extracted so often.

The Reason Wisdom Teeth Exist

Most adults initially have 32 permanent teeth which erupt throughout late childhood and into adolescence. Normally, the wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, usually before the age of 21. They were once essential due to a prehistoric diet of roots, leaves, meat, and nuts. However, the wisdom teeth are no longer essential for the modern human diet. After all, we now cook our food to soften it and can cut and crush it with utensils.

Genetics still cause most adults to develop wisdom teeth, some of them becoming impacted and causing problems. Ultimately, your dentist will be able to determine whether or not you should keep your 3rd molars.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Here are the three most common reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed:

Infection

When someone is suffering from impacted wisdom teeth, they could develop an infection known as pericoronitis. This is the most frequent clinical problem that dentists see in relation to wisdom teeth. When there isn’t enough room for a tooth to completely erupt, the gum tissue can become irritated and infected. Ultimately, it will cause pain, swelling, and issues with chewing and swallowing.

Cyst Formation

Non-infectious diseases can also occur due to an impacted wisdom tooth. They are known as cysts. These are fluid-filled balloons that develop inside the jawbone as a result of impacted teeth. They slowly expand over time and can destroy the adjacent jawbone and nearby teeth. They are rare, but tumors can also be associated with this. The best way to avoid this is by removing wisdom teeth early on, preferably during the teenage years.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

A problem that many people encounter when their wisdom teeth come in is that they are so far back in the mouth, they have a hard time getting a toothbrush and floss back far enough to clean the area. When plaque and tartar is left behind, it can result in periodontal disease, and tooth decay. This includes the surrounding teeth as well. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to irreversible problems, like gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage. By having wisdom teeth removed early, you can reduce your risk of these oral health issues.

While they were a big help back in the caveman days, now, wisdom teeth tend to be more trouble than they are worth. By seeing your dentist, you can determine whether or not an extraction is the best option for you!

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Volker earned his dental doctorate from Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Queens County Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and several other professional organizations. Dr. Volker is always careful to monitor the development of the wisdom teeth and extract them when necessary. If you still have your wisdom teeth, he’d be happy to take a look and help determine what’s best for the future of your smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Sunnyside, visit his website or call (718) 937-6750.

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