The Changing Role of Wisdom Teeth Through Human Evolution
Over the course of human history, our bodies have undergone many changes to adapt to our surroundings, echoing Charles Darwin’s concept of ongoing biological evolution. Wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, are becoming less useful in modern life, particularly since our diets no longer require us to rip apart raw meat with our teeth.
The Dilemma of Limited Space in the Mouth
A frequent issue with wisdom teeth is the insufficient space in our jaws to accommodate their full growth. Taking these molars out can free up room, allowing other teeth to align correctly. Misalignments like overbites or underbites are often linked to such crowding. If wisdom teeth can’t fully erupt, dental professionals can provide relief from the associated pain and discomfort.
Why Wisdom Teeth Might Need to Be Removed
The average person usually has four wisdom teeth, although the number can differ. There are various reasons why a dentist might suggest wisdom tooth extraction, such as:
Interference with the growth of adjacent teeth Infections in the gum tissue surrounding partially erupted teeth Damage to neighboring teeth Severe tooth decay Gum disease issues
Extractions are typically handled by proficient dental practitioners, including those offering cost-effective wisdom teeth removal services in places like North Shore and Sydney. A comprehensive evaluation is generally the first step before recommending an extraction.
Is Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth a Viable Option?
In certain circumstances, retaining your wisdom teeth might be possible:
Enough space for the teeth to come in fully Correct alignment that doesn’t affect your bite Ease of maintaining oral cleanliness around the wisdom teeth
If your wisdom teeth have fully emerged without causing problems, your dentist may recommend keeping them, as removing healthy teeth is usually unnecessary.
Potential Issues Associated with Wisdom Teeth
Problems often occur when wisdom teeth can’t fully break through the gums. They might remain embedded, leading to the risk of cysts, or the surrounding gums may become infected. Some dental practitioners favor removing wisdom teeth early on as a preventive measure, while others recommend waiting until dental crowding is imminent.
If you’re feeling any discomfort, it’s advisable to book a dental exam. Even if you’re not experiencing any apparent dental issues, periodic dental check-ups can help your dentist monitor the state of your oral health and take timely action if problems arise.
