Why Did We Develop Wisdom Teeth?
When our ancient ancestors were alive, they relied on few tools and conveniences to survive. Therefore, their bodies were built differently than the typical human figure of today. Wisdom teeth are believed to have originally been used for chewing hard foods we now consume after cooking, or by using utensils.
Wisdom teeth are a type of molar. They once protected the rest of the teeth from excess wear and tear. Now, wisdom teeth commonly cause serious dental issues and do little to benefit our physical development.
Over time, our jaws have become smaller, and what we eat, as well as how we eat, has also changed. Wisdom teeth do not usually emerge until the late teen years in most people. Sometimes, they never emerge at all.
Since wisdom teeth are no longer a necessity, they can actually lead to dental issues such as pain, infection, impaction, etc. This is why it is important to have wisdom teeth checked frequently by a dentist, and often eventually removed.
When Should You Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth might need to be removed to prevent pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. There are a few ways in which wisdom teeth can lead to such problems.
If wisdom teeth start to emerge in a jaw that is not large enough to accommodate them, or they are misaligned, they can cause nearby teeth to shift and create crowding. Sometimes, even if a person’s jaw is large enough to support wisdom teeth, they can start to emerge at the wrong angle, too (e.g. the top of the tooth is pointed at another tooth, effectively growing horizontally instead of vertically).
They can become impacted, as well, which is what happens when a tooth does not fully erupt and gets stuck under the gum tissue.
Wisdom tooth removal is an intricate procedure which is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Often, wisdom teeth are removed when they start to cause problems like pain or infection. However, sometimes wisdom teeth are removed before they manage to cause any discomfort.
Your dentist will evaluate if having your wisdom teeth removed is a smart decision for your oral health. Early removal can help prevent issues such as gum disease, injury to the jaw bone, abscesses and infection, etc.
Your Trusted Dentist in Wrigleyville
Having wisdom teeth extracted is not only uncomfortable, but it can be nerve-racking for many patients. It is important to find a dentist you can trust and rely on to perform the procedure, or who can evaluate your condition and recommend a trusted oral surgeon.
Contact us at Northalsted Dental Spa today to learn more about our wisdom tooth removal services.
