September 10, 2024
Puberty isn’t a comfortable time for anyone. Your voice changes, you get bigger and hairier, and to make matters worse, your wisdom teeth may come in, gaining you a visit to an oral surgeon in Montgomery, AL.
At one point in our evolutionary history, our jaws were bigger, accommodating our third molars perfectly. But as we evolved, they grew smaller, leaving no place for this last set of teeth to emerge properly. This is why, when they do, they often cause trouble. If the dentist says that’s your case, here’s all you need to know about wisdom teeth removal surgery!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are our third set of molars, situated in the upper and lower back corners of your mouth. They come in between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the final four permanent adult teeth. Because you’re older and “wiser” when they come, they’re commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth.”
They don’t emerge for everyone, though. About 25% of people don't develop any wisdom teeth (and that doesn’t mean they’re less wise). Evolution works in unique ways, and some people have long since stopped developing this last set of molars.
Some common signs and symptoms that your wisdom teeth are surfacing are:
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw and face.
- The back corners of your mouth may swell or turn red.
- White patches behind your final teeth.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
As we mentioned, the common jaw's size has diminished over time due to changes in the human diet—mostly the introduction of fire to cook and soften foods. Meanwhile, the requirement for an additional set of molars decreased.
Because of this, some people stopped getting wisdom teeth. For those who still get them, wisdom teeth may cause complications as there is no adequate room for them to grow.
This causes them to emerge only partially, not emerge at all, or cause trouble with the other teeth, forcing them to shift to adapt to their appearance. This can have various consequences in the long run.
Impacted wisdom teeth are much more prone to infection, causing pain and damage to neighboring teeth. Additionally, if there’s no room, your perfectly aligned smile may suffer from malocclusion, and you may need a wisdom tooth extraction and orthodontic treatment afterward to reverse the damage.
To prevent all of this, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Have to Be Removed?
While some dentists prefer removing wisdom teeth as a precaution, they can be left alone as long as they aren’t causing any issues such as pain, swelling, or plaque buildup.
After all, they do provide some support to the jaw and can be helpful when chewing through foods. Each situation is unique, though, so reach out to a qualified professional if you have doubts about yours.
Get Your Wisdom Tooth Extracted with an Oral Surgeon in Montgomery, AL
Adulthood comes with many nice things—although some are not so. Little by little, you will be gaining more responsibilities, and taking hold of your dental health is one of them. Deciding whether or not to get a wisdom tooth extracted is up to you.
Just remember that the best type of healthcare is prevention. So, don’t miss dental appointments, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, and reach out to Woodmere Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to get a professional’s opinion on your wisdom teeth!