What are wisdom teeth and do I need to have them removed?
Called “wisdom teeth” because of time of life they’re known to appear – typically in the late teens to early 20s – it’s believed that in prehistoric times, humans developed these teeth to chew tough foods. At that time, larger jaws were able to accommodate these teeth, which emerge in the posterior of each mouth quadrant.
While most people will need or choose to have them removed, you may be curious about why some don’t. This is often due to the fact that some people have jaws that are able to accommodate four extra teeth, and they choose to leave them intact. It’s important to note, however, that even in these situations, it’s vital that dental professionals continually monitor the growth and position of these teeth to ensure that issues don’t arise.
What can happen if my dentist suggests I have them removed but I decide not to?
When your dentist recommends that one or more of your wisdom teeth be removed, it’s important that you heed their advice, as not doing so can lead to problems with impacted teeth that eventually push against adjacent molars, leading to painful problems with cyst growth, shifting, misalignment, and more.
Curious about whether your wisdom teeth require extraction? Call us today to schedule an examination!
