The Intriguing Story Behind Your Wisdom Teeth: To Remove or Not to Remove?

Have you ever wondered why your third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, might need to be removed? It's a fascinating tale that dates back to human evolutionary development. As our diets changed and our brains grew larger over the ages, our jaws became smaller. This decrease in jaw size has left many people with not enough room for all of their teeth, particularly the last ones to emerge: the wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the final permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity and can often cause problems due to a lack of space. In fact, approximately 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth, but there are cases where people develop fewer or even extra ones. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years, coinciding with a period of life known as the "Age of Wisdom," which is why they're often called "wisdom teeth."

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it remains submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot erupt into place. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in different ways. Soft tissue impactions happen when a wisdom tooth is covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions occur when a wisdom tooth is obstructed by bone.

At First Family Dental, we closely monitor our patients' dental health at every checkup visit. This includes checking the development, location, and health of the wisdom teeth, as well as the adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your wisdom teeth have enough room to erupt correctly, do not damage the adjacent teeth or tissues, and are free from large cavities, extractions may not be necessary. However, if we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, we may perform the procedure in our office or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based on your unique needs.

The Unique Development of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 21 years. Their development is closely tied to human evolutionary history. As our ancestors' diets changed and their brains grew larger over time, their jaws became smaller. This has left many modern humans with not enough room for all of their teeth, particularly the last ones to emerge: the wisdom teeth.

Most individuals have four wisdom teeth, but some may develop fewer or even extra ones. These teeth usually emerge during a period of life known as the "Age of Wisdom," which is why they're often called "wisdom teeth."

The Types and Classifications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it remains submerged under gum tissue or bone and cannot erupt into place. Depending on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in different ways. Soft tissue impactions happen when a wisdom tooth is covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions occur when a wisdom tooth is obstructed by bone.

The Decision to Remove or Not to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

At First Family Dental, we closely monitor our patients' dental health at every checkup visit. This includes checking the development, location, and health of the wisdom teeth, as well as the adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. If your wisdom teeth have enough room to erupt correctly, do not damage the adjacent teeth or tissues, and are free from large cavities, extractions may not be necessary.

However, if we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, we may perform the procedure in our office or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based on your unique needs. Remember, it's essential to maintain good dental hygiene and visit us regularly for checkups to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.

In conclusion, while wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems due to a lack of space in our smaller jaws, they are an intriguing part of human evolutionary history. At First Family Dental, we're here to help you make informed decisions about your dental health and ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth or any other aspect of your dental care.