If you have ever experienced wisdom teeth pain, you would know it is one of the most unbearable pain ever. You would only have a respite after removing them through dental surgery, and that begs the question, what purpose do wisdom teeth serve?
According to anthropologists, the last set of molars or wisdom teeth, were provisions for our ancestors to help them chew coarse, rough food such as hard items like nuts, roots, meats, and leaves. You do not have to be an anthropologist to know that those teeth have outlived their purpose. Nowadays we have softer food and modern tools such as knives, forks, and spoons.
Evolutionary biologists categorize wisdom teeth under vestigial organs, which is another way of describing organs that are now useless because of evolution.
Right from the developmental years of a child, teeth grow systematically – from the temporary or milk teeth to permanent teeth. The first and second set of molars form at age 6 and 12 respectively. Wisdom teeth start developing around the age of 10 but do not erupt until you reach the age of 17, and can be up to age 25 before they erupt, in some cases. Since they form around the time you become wiser, they are called wisdom teeth.
Not everybody develops wisdom teeth, but when they form, it is generally between one to four, or in exceptional cases, higher than four. There is still little explanation for why the number of teeth for each person is inconsistent. When the weird growths occur, it could cause a series of dental troubles until they are extracted.
Human jaws have shrunk over time, which may lead compression or blockage of the wisdom teeth by the surrounding teeth. Also, if the teeth do not form completely, food debris may accumulate in the surrounding gum tissues, causing bacteria growth and potential severe infection.
When wisdom teeth fail to form but stay receded, oral issues may occur, including overcrowding or dislocation of permanent teeth. In some rare situations, a cyst may develop in the soft tissues close to the affected molar. The cyst can cause the jaw to expand or damage the surrounding bone or teeth.
In some cases, tumors may form in the cyst, causing breakage to the jaw if they grow too large.
Some people end up having wisdom teeth that serve a similar purpose to the remaining teeth and therefore may not need extraction. It is hard to predict when wisdom teeth issues will start, and according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the wisdom teeth need to be extracted more than 85% of the time.
If you are considering having wisdom teeth removal, dental experts recommend you have the procedure at a young age, (usually between 15 and 18) to increase your chances for a full recovery and avoid future complications. Usually, people who undergo oral surgery after reaching the age of 35 often face the threat of complications and more extended healing periods.
It is vital that you consult your dentist immediately you start noticing any form of discomfort.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu dental office.
Having the wisdom teeth removed can be one of the scariest procedures for some people. This is mainly because a lot of people aren’t familiar with dental surgeries up until they have their wisdom teeth removed. While the entire process is actually quite simple, it’s good to know who performs the extraction and what is…
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to erupt from the gums. They form at the rear end of the mouth and are usually four in total, each occupying the tail end on either side of the upper and lower jaw.Wisdom teeth pain may disappear on its own. However, sometimes it may require proactive…
Tooth extraction comes in different forms and for different reasons. This is not ordinarily the method that dentists prefer, but in some cases, removing a tooth is the right treatment. Often, a tooth is already in place when the dentist needs to remove it. However, a tooth can also be impacted and still require an…
You may need tooth extraction at some point in your life. Your general dentist will examine your teeth first. This will help determine which tooth needs extraction. Understanding the time and reason for this dental procedure can help you prepare for your next appointment. Here are the details about when and why tooth extraction must…
Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists understand this, so they are committed to providing patients with the smile of their dreams. They do this through smile makeovers. Smile makeovers are custom for each patient and encompass various services. Here are the five most common.Dental bonding is…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin shells fit over the fronts of the teeth, improving their appearance for years to come. If you have been considering veneers, here are some common signs that it is time to consult a cosmetic dentist.Perhaps the most well-known reason people…