Getting one’s wisdom teeth removed is one of the more common dental practices. Therefore, it is also one that most people can relate to. Removing one’s wisdom teeth is so common that it begs the question: why do humans have wisdom teeth?
The answer to this question has less to do with culture and more to do with human physical evolution over the years. This is because all of us are members of a species that is continuously evolving. Because of this, there are elements of our bodies that are leftovers from a different era. In some ways, this describes wisdom teeth. That is why wisdom teeth removal has become such a common procedure.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The term wisdom teeth refers to the sets of molars that exist in the very back of the mouth. There is some variability in terms of the presence of these teeth in the mouth. Some individuals have all four wisdom teeth, while others might not have any at all.
Why Do Humans Have Wisdom Teeth?
Like the tailbone, wisdom teeth are an evolutionary relic from another era. In the past, primordial humans had broader and stronger jaws, which helped them chew the tough roots and meats that comprised the central part of their diet. As time has gone on, the presence of these teeth and their necessity have grown smaller. Nowadays, it is quite common for many individuals to only have some or none of their wisdom teeth, as they are being phased out evolutionarily.
Biology tends to evolve at a slower rate than society, so humans are left with the wisdom teeth that we no longer necessarily need. Because of the unnecessary nature of these teeth, as well as their tendency to develop tooth decay and infection due to their presence in the back of the mouth, dentists will often advise patients to have these teeth removed to improve their dental health.
Issues that Impact Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are vulnerable to developing several different health issues. Below are some of the common issues that can impact one’s wisdom teeth:
- Gum disease
- Cysts
- Causing damage to other teeth in the mouth
- Wisdom tooth pain
- Infection
- Tumors
- Cavities
Any of these issues can develop in the wisdom teeth, requiring further dental work. However, removing wisdom teeth can ultimately save individuals stress and money.
What Occurs During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is very similar to the other methods of tooth extraction. The exact details of your surgery vary somewhat, depending on how many wisdom teeth you have in your mouth. Some clarifying questions that you can ask your dentist prior to the procedure include the following:
- What type of anesthesia will be needed?
- How many wisdom teeth do I have?
- Are my wisdom teeth damaged in any way?
- Are there any other dental treatments that I will need?
- How long will I need to recover from my procedure?
During the procedure, you will have some anesthesia applied to your mouth to reduce the amount of pain that you feel during the operation. Depending on how many teeth are due to be removed, this can either be local or general anesthesia.
After the anesthetic is applied, your target teeth will be removed, the wound site will be cleaned, and gauze will be applied. You may be asked to attend a follow-up appointment with your dentist to observe your progress in recovering from your procedure.
Following Your Procedure
After your procedure is complete, you can expect a brief recovery period following the extraction. The exact duration of this period may vary heavily, depending on how many wisdom teeth you have removed. Some of the symptoms that you can expect to experience during your recovery period include:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Reduced levels of activity
In addition, you may be instructed to eat only certain foods and beverages that will not interfere with your recovery process. Your dentist may also instruct you to clean your mouth and wound site after the procedure. Following your dentist’s instructions during this sensitive period will help ensure that you have a safe and productive recovery.
The Top Dentist in Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo Dental Specialists and Orthodontics is a dental office that specializes in wisdom teeth removal. If you think that it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact our office today to set up an appointment and start looking your best soon.