If your dentist has recently told you at the end of your last visit that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed, there’s no reason to sound the alarm! This is a normal thing that most people must go through—but why is it even necessary in the first place, given the important role that our pearly whites play in our day-to-day lives? Keep reading to learn a little more about wisdom teeth and why it’s usually in one’s best interest to have them removed by their trusted dentist when the time comes.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge from beneath the gum line, located at the back of the mouth. Unlike other teeth, which emerge during childhood, wisdom teeth typically make their grand entrance between the ages of 17 and 25. Back in the days when our ancestors survived on a much tougher diet, these extra molars were incredibly useful for grinding down coarse foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat.
While our ancestors might’ve needed these teeth, the evolution of our diet, lifestyles, and oral hygiene practices have essentially rendered them useless and obsolete—and in many cases, there isn’t even enough space in the jaw for them to emerge properly! This lack of space can cause a variety of dental health issues, making wisdom teeth removal a normal recommendation and common procedure in the world of modern dentistry.
Why Might These Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Given the potential complications that can arise if wisdom teeth are left inside the mouth, dentists often recommend their removal, generally during a patient’s teenage years or early twenties. Early removal can prevent pain, infections, and a variety of other oral health issues, thereby ensuring excellent overall health and proper alignment of the teeth move forward! Here are a few of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth needing to be removed:
- You don’t have enough room in your jaw to host your wisdom teeth, which can cause them to become impacted.
- Your wisdom teeth are coming in crooked or misaligned, which can damage the surrounding teeth and gum tissue.
- You’re experiencing sinus issues that relate to pressure caused by your wisdom teeth.
- Cysts have formed near your wisdom teeth, which can lead to the destruction of your bone and the roots of your teeth, or even tumors in more severe cases.
In the grand scheme of evolution, wisdom teeth might have served a purpose—but in the modern world, they often bring much more pain than they do wisdom. Your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth before making a decision about your teeth; however, if they do recommend their removal, rest assured that it’s a common and straightforward procedure that your smile will thank you for.
About the Practice
Complete Dental Care of Renton has proudly served the dental needs of families in the Rendon, WA area for several years. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services, including in-house wisdom tooth extraction! If you have any questions about what this process looks like, or you’d like to request additional information or schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (425) 225-3995.