What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located in the far back corners of your mouth. Often called third molars, these teeth usually begin to form under the gums in preteens. They do not fully develop until the late teens or early 20s.

The Beginnings and Evolution

Wisdom teeth are vestigial structures. They are leftovers from our ancestors. Early humans had larger jaws and extra molars. These helped them chew tougher foods and plants.

As diets changed, jaws got smaller while wisdom teeth shrank over time. These third molars still try to come in, even though they have no clear purpose. They often get stuck and cause pain.

What Are Wisdom Teeth Used For?

Historically, wisdom teeth played a crucial role in our ancestors' diets. They were essential for grinding down tough plant fibers and raw meats, which were common in the diets of early humans. With the evolution of cooking and food preparation, our dietary needs changed, and the necessity for these extra molars diminished. Today, most people have smaller jaws that often lack the space needed for these teeth to emerge properly.

When and Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?

Wisdom teeth can become impacted when there is not enough space in the mouth. This often happens in late teens or early twenties. The teeth may grow at an angle or get stuck against other teeth. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to other dental problems. They may push against nearby teeth and cause damage. Regular dental check-ups can help find these issues early. If needed, a dentist may recommend removal to prevent further problems.

Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Dentists suggest extraction as the standard procedure for problematic wisdom teeth that are on track to become impacted or are already causing issues.

In some cases, wisdom teeth that do not cause symptoms may be watched if they are fully under the gums. Partial eruption without impaction or decay risks may also warrant a wait and see approach rather than immediate removal.

Talk to your dentist about the positioning of your third molars to determine suggested treatment timelines and options.

Can You Prevent Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

No guarantees, but good oral care may prolong the lifespan of your third molars:

• Brush and floss thoroughly towards your wisdom teeth

• Rinse after meals to dislodge debris

• Avoid sugary/acidic foods that promote decay

• Don’t smoke

• Get regular dental checkups for early intervention

• Inquire about protective sealants

• Explore orthodontic alignment options

However, wisdom teeth often need to be removed. This is because they can become impacted. Evolution has led to smaller jaw sizes, which causes this problem.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What To Expect

If you need to remove a wisdom tooth, the usual method is surgical extraction. An oral surgeon does this under local or general anesthesia. Here is an overview of what to expect:

During Surgery the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum around the impacted wisdom tooth. A dentist may remove some bone or tooth to access and pull out the tooth. Stitches dissolve over time.

Recovery Timeline Swelling and soreness lasts 1-2 weeks post surgery. More extensive procedures increase recovery time. Initial healing takes 3-6 weeks. Bone generally reforms fully in 3 months.

Common Risks

Dry socket, nerve injury, and infection rarely affect a small number of cases. Significant complications are not common with standard extractions.

Recovery Self-Care Icing, over-the-counter pain medication (avoid NSAIDs), eating soft foods, proper oral hygiene, and not disturbing the surgery site support the healing process. Refrain from smoking during recovery.

Follow all post-operative guidelines from your surgeon for the best recovery. Ask about any concerns before your extraction date to manage your expectations. Some lingering swelling or numbness may remain in the rear of the mouth after wisdom teeth removal.

Wisdom Tooth summary

The Bottom Line Wisdom teeth are pesky evolutionary remnants that frequently cause problems, especially from ages 17-21 onwards. Monitor for impaction risks, maintain diligent hygiene, and discuss management options with your dentist. Extraction is often inevitable, but doesn’t necessarily need to occur right away if your third molars are stable.