Black and white panoramic X-ray showing a patient with 4 wisdom teeth that need to be removed

Are Wisdom Teeth Supposed to Be Removed?

June 19, 2021 6:45 pm

In this blog post, we go over the history of wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, and detail some of the problems they might cause.

For ancient humans that were hunters and gatherers, wisdom teeth were helpful to chew and grind down their rough diet that consisted of fruit, leaves, flowers, bark, insects, seeds, and meat. As agriculture and cooking methods evolved, our diets changed to include softer foods. Over time, this may have contributed to humans being born with smaller-sized jaws.

Because the average human jaw is smaller now than anciently, we have trouble accommodating extra teeth in the back of our mouth.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

While our jaw size has changed, many patients between ages 17-25 still have 1-4 wisdom teeth that try to emerge in the very back of their mouth. Depending on the alignment and growth of these third molars, they can contribute to several dental issues.

For example, wisdom teeth can collide with neighboring teeth, resulting in misalignment, cracks, and breaks. If they do not emerge correctly, they can lead to bad breath, gum infection, tooth decay, tenderness, pain, and difficulty chewing. Furthermore, infection brought on by a problematic wisdom tooth can cause bone damage and loss of your other teeth.

Wisdom teeth can bring on pain and crowding issues as they emerge. Plus, they are hard to keep clean. Because of the potential for problems, we may recommend removing them even before they erupt! This preempts the development of problems or an emergency situation in the future.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston, TX

The best way to know if wisdom teeth need to be removed is to schedule a consultation with our team at The Smile Club Dentistry and Orthodontics. We offer comprehensive dental services, including tooth extractions. We will take dental X-rays, examine your teeth and gums, and come up with a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique oral health needs.

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