Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, have been a subject of curiosity and sometimes annoyance for many dental patients. These late bloomers typically make their appearance in the late teenage years or early twenties – a time traditionally associated with gaining wisdom, hence their name. But what is the purpose of these mysterious molars, and why do they often cause issues that require removal?
The Evolutionary Tale
To understand the point of wisdom teeth, we need to take a trip back in time. Our distant ancestors had a rough diet that consisted of raw plants and meat, which required more chewing power. This means they needed more molars for grinding up tough food. As humans evolved, our diets changed, we discovered cooking, and our jaws became smaller as a result of these dietary changes. However, the genetic instructions for those extra teeth remained.
The Modern-Day Dilemma
Today, wisdom teeth are considered vestigial organs, or body parts that have become functionless due to evolution. Because our diets now consist of softer foods and our cooking methods pre-digest food in a way, the extra grinding power isn't necessary. Additionally, our smaller jaws often don't have enough room to accommodate these third molars. When there isn't enough space for them to erupt properly, they can become impacted, meaning they're trapped in the jawbone or gums. This can lead to a host of problems such as pain, swelling, and infection.
The Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they can position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward. Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. They can also become enclosed within the soft tissue of the jawbone or only partially break through the gum. Partial eruption creates an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection, which results in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness.
Why Do We Still Have Them?
The simple answer is evolution is a slow process. Our bodies haven't yet adapted to not produce them. Some people are born with all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer or even none. In rare instances, some individuals may even have more than four!
To Remove or Not to Remove? The decision to remove wisdom teeth isn't universal. If they are correctly positioned in the mouth and do not cause any pain or dental problems, they can be left in place. However, if they cause complications or X-rays indicate that they might down the line, dentists typically recommend extraction as a preventive measure. The best time to have them removed is usually during the late teens to early twenties, before the roots and bone structure are fully formed, and when recovery is generally faster after surgery.
Schedule a Visit to the Dentist
It's important to consult with your dentist, who can monitor the growth and presence of your wisdom teeth via X-rays and regular check-ups, and advise you on the best course of action. Whether they stay or go, wisdom teeth are a fascinating reminder of our evolutionary history. Are wisdom teether impacting your life? Start your journey to better oral health by scheduling an appointment today.