Wisdom teeth are one of those things that we all hear about growing up, and we all know someone who has had their teeth removed. Recently there has been a spate of videos about people acting ridiculous following the procedure thanks to the medication they received prior to it. If you’re like most people you may be wondering exactly why Wisdom Teeth have to be removed so often, and why we even get them in the first place? The core of this reason exists in our past when our ancestors had to chew raw meat, nuts, roots, and other hard and fibrous foods to survive. As these ancestors evolved and were able to eat softer foods the need for these powerful molars reduced and our jaws shrank. Wisdom Teeth are what are known as vestigial organs, ones that are no longer useful but still remain in some people.
Vestigial Organs? Doesn’t Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn the fewer people do with every passing generation. Of those that do most of them have to have them removed due to a lack of room in the mouth, impaction, and other factors. Even more interesting some people get more than one set of wisdom teeth, in some cases four or even six additional teeth will be found. In these cases, it’s imperative that they’re removed before they can begin to cause damage. Wisdom teeth come in as we enter adulthood, and are often the last milestone of our youth.
Are There Complications That Come From Keeping Wisdom Teeth?
Complications from wisdom teeth are actually quite common, and having them removed is rarely a choice the patient has. The pressure these teeth exert on the jaw and other teeth can be excruciatingly painful, as well as causing damage to the rest of the teeth. In addition to overcrowding the following concerns may be an issue:
• Impaction of existing teeth
• Cysts forming around the wisdom teeth and damaging the jaw
• Congestion, sinus pain, and more from wisdom teeth
• Inflammation of the gums and jaw.
• Cavities and abscesses caused as the gums pull away from the partially exposed tooth.
• Lack of room for the wisdom teeth to come in.
If you’re seeing your dentist on a regular basis these concerns should be addressed long before they become a major issue. That’s one of the many reasons you should be seeing your dentist on a regular basis.
For those that haven’t seen their dentist in a while and still have their wisdom teeth, it’s imperative that they get a check-up as soon as possible. Dr. Ross Quartano has been working with the families in the Covington, LA area for years to help promote good dental health and tackle concerns like wisdom teeth before they can cause damage. Call today to make an appointment at Magnolia Dental and take steps to ensure that your oral health doesn’t become impacted by erupting wisdom teeth.
