Wisdom teeth are your last teeth to come in. They often start to erupt in your early 20s or a bit beforehand, but they may be a bit troublesome for a few patients. They can cause pain or crowding, but why do they exist? While it may seem third molars are nothing but trouble, they were important for your ancestors. Keep reading to learn why humans needed them and why they are often removed.

For many people, having their wisdom teeth removed is almost a rite of passage—something that happens during the late teens or early twenties. But what if you never had yours taken out? You might wonder if it’s too late to do it now. The good news is that there’s no such thing as being too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. While the process may differ slightly for older adults, successful extractions are still very common and can significantly improve your oral health.