When it comes to wisdom teeth, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. For example, while some people think that wisdom teeth are completely useless, others think that they are absolutely essential.
So, what exactly is the truth behind wisdom teeth? Are wisdom teeth necessary, or are they simply a by-product of evolution? This blog post will take a closer look at wisdom teeth, how they came about, and their function in our daily lives.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Why do you have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They got their name because they typically come in around the age when people are considered to be “wiser” than they were as children.
While wisdom teeth used to be considered necessary for chewing food, that is no longer the case. In fact, wisdom teeth are now more likely to cause problems than they are to help with eating.
This is because our jaws have become smaller over time due to changes in diet and lifestyle. As a result, there is often not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to come in without causing crowding or other problems.
When wisdom teeth do come in without causing problems, they are often difficult to clean and are more likely to get cavities. For these reasons, experienced dentists in Layton and worldwide recommend that wisdom teeth be removed.
So, while wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for chewing food, they can still cause problems for some people. If you’re wondering whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth removed, talk to your dental proffesional for more information.
Surprising myths about wisdom teeth
Now that you understand why you have wisdom teeth, let’s look at some surprising myths about these often-misunderstood molars.
Myth 1: Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed
In Reality: This isn’t always the case. In some instances, wisdom teeth can erupt and align perfectly with the rest of your teeth without causing any problems. That said, when they do cause issues, it’s usually due to impaction — meaning that they’ve become stuck underneath the gum line and are unable to fully erupt.
Impacted teeth can cause a number of problems, such as pain, infection, cysts, and damage to nearby teeth. For this reason, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed even if they’re not currently causing any problems.
Myth 2: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth
In Reality: This is actually not true! While it’s estimated that around 85% of people have wisdom teeth, there is a small percentage of people who don’t. In fact, it’s estimated that anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of people will never develop wisdom teeth!
And while it’s not entirely clear why some people don’t have wisdom teeth, it’s thought to be due to a combination of genetics and luck. So, if you’re one of the lucky few who doesn’t have wisdom teeth, consider yourself fortunate — you’ll never have to worry about them causing problems!
Myth 3: Wisdom Teeth are totally useless
In Reality: Wisdom teeth can be a source of stem cells. These are cells that can be used to grow new tissue or organs. So, if you ever need a stem cell transplant, your wisdom teeth could be a valuable source. But that doesn’t mean you should hold onto them in a futile attempt while they wreak havoc in your mouth.
Myth 4: Wisdom Tooth Removal Is a Really Big Deal
In Reality: Wisdom tooth removal is a fairly common procedure that is typically performed by an oral surgeon. The surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to access the tooth and then remove it in one piece.
The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most people recover from it within a few days. That said, everyone heals differently, so it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a speedy and successful recovery.
As you can see, there are a few myths about wisdom teeth floating around out there. Regardless, it’s important to remember that not everyone has wisdom teeth, and not everyone who does have them needs to have them removed.
However, if you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, it’s best to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to find out the best course of action.
What’s wrong with wisdom teeth?
While wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems, they can be problematic for some people. Here are some of the issues that can be caused by wisdom teeth:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can crowd your other teeth and cause them to become crooked or misaligned.
- Infection: Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they are more prone to infection. Additionally, if an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can cause damage to the nearby teeth and gums.
- Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form around wisdom teeth. If left untreated, they can damage nearby bones and teeth.
- Damage to Other Teeth: If wisdom teeth aren’t removed, they can push on the other teeth and damage them.
These are just a few of the problems that wisdom teeth can cause. However, it’s important to note that these problems are only applicable to people with wisdom teeth.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have wisdom teeth, the best way to find out is to see your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to take x-rays of your mouth and tell you whether or not you have wisdom teeth.
However, if you do have wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will also be able to tell you if they are impacted and whether or not they need to be removed.
What happens if my wisdom teeth aren’t removed?
If your wisdom teeth aren’t removed, they may eventually start to cause problems. However, this isn’t always the case. Some people with wisdom teeth never have any problems with them.
Additionally, even if your wisdom teeth don’t currently cause any problems, it’s still a good idea to have them checked by a dentist or oral surgeon every few years. This is because they may eventually start to cause problems, even if they don’t currently.
Nevertheless, wisdom teeth should ideally be removed before they get a chance to cause problems.
Should I have my wisdom teeth pulled?
Whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth pulled is a decision that should be made by you and your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to evaluate your individual situation and make a recommendation based on what’s best for you.
However, most dentists and oral surgeons recommend that wisdom teeth be removed if they are impacted or if there is a chance that they may become impacted in the future.
Additionally, many people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed even if they’re not currently causing any problems. This is because wisdom teeth can sometimes become problematic even if they’re not currently causing any issues.
What to expect during wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and it’s usually done by an oral surgeon. The surgeon will numb the area around your teeth and then remove the teeth. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, so you won’t have to stay in the clinic overnight.
After the surgery, you may experience some pain and swelling. This is normal and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. Additionally, it’s important to eat soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy foods while healing.
Overall, wisdom teeth removal is a relatively simple procedure. However, it’s still important to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to find out if it’s right for you. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your individual situation.
Get your teeth checked out today
All in all, wisdom teeth are a bit of a mystery. They may have once served a purpose, but now they are simply a vestigial by-product of evolution. If you have wisdom teeth that are causing problems, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist or oral surgeon in Layton – they can help determine if extraction is the best course of action.
But then again, why wait until your wisdom teeth start to cause problems when you can get them checked out today!