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.
Why Did My Ancestors Need Wisdom Teeth?
To be a bit more specific, wisdom teeth generally come in between 17 and 25 years old. They were especially helpful because of the diets early humans had. They would often need to chew through tough plants and raw foods, such as roots, nuts, and meat. These all required a stronger jaw, so this part of their face is much wider compared to people in the modern age. Having extra third molars meant that they could break down their food and get all the nutrients they needed.
Do Humans Need Their Wisdom Teeth Today?
In short, humans don’t really need their wisdom teeth today. If you look at your own diet, then you may already see the differences from those in the past. Nowadays, cooking, utensils, and softer foods have made eating easier and food tender than ever before. This has led to jawbones becoming smaller, so fitting all 32 teeth has become a bit more challenging.
Are Wisdom Teeth Always Removed?
While wisdom teeth might’ve outlived their purpose, there are some cases where they grow in just fine. Not everyone needs them to be removed if they erupt without causing any pain or issues. However, having them taken out can often be a safe choice to protect your smile from:
- Crowding and pushing against your other teeth, causing misalignment.
- Infection, as it can be hard to effectively clean back there in your mouth.
- Impaction from not erupting all the way, often causing pressure and pain.
The best way to know if you need your third molars removed is with a consultation with your dentist. Through X-rays and other digital imaging, you can learn whether or not they’ll cause trouble. If you are already feeling the effects above, then your provider might recommend it anyway!
While humans needed wisdom teeth in the past, they aren’t so much in the present. It’s fascinating to hear about how they helped your ancestors, but today, they may be more of a headache. Having them removed can be best, but reach out to your oral surgeon to learn more about what’s right for your smile.
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, you benefit from a team of board-certified oral surgeons. That means you are in expert care when it comes to surgical treatments in your mouth, such as removing wisdom teeth.
Our goal is to make this procedure as comfortable as possible with sedation and state-of-the-art techniques and instruments. You can get the relief you need from your third molars and get back to a problem-free grin. If you want to know if you need them removed, schedule a consultation or call any of our convenient offices near you.