They say with age comes wisdom, but that doesn’t always mean it comes with wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are your “third molars,” a backup set of teeth that historically have shown up to replace permanent teeth worn from early man’s diet. Today, however, they are no longer needed, as modern foods and cooking preparations have made chewing much easier on the mouth. In fact, in many cases people will have their wisdom teeth removed because they often cause more harm than good. But does that mean you definitely need yours removed? What happens if you don’t get them at all? Keep reading to find out more about these fascinating extra choppers!
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Having a backup set of molars sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? In a perfect world, it really could be. Unfortunately, however, many wisdom teeth don’t cooperate with the rest of your mouth like you’d like them to. They can sometimes grow sideways and damage surrounding teeth and gums. They can be very difficult to clean, causing cavities. They can even be painful and cause crowding that knocks your bite out of alignment. Thus, many patients opt to have theirs removed once they erupt (at around 17 to 25 years of age).
Does Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth?
Odd as it may seem, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. In fact, some people may only get one or two or even three, but not all four. It is estimated that between five and 37 percent of people do not get a set of four wisdom teeth, so not getting them is more common than you might think!
Furthermore, just because you don’t see your wisdom teeth doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Often, they can be stuck in your gums and will not erupt on their own. Unfortunately, this can still cause problems so they may need to be removed regardless.
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The answer to this question largely depends on your individual situation. Some people will never need their wisdom teeth removed if they grow in straight and don’t cause any damage to their other teeth. Some patients’ may need only a few removed, and others may need all of them extracted. Your dentist can determine whether yours should be removed and discuss the benefits of this procedure.
Remember, wisdom teeth aren’t guaranteed, but if they appear it is important to discuss them with your dentist. Left in place, they can often cause damage to your surrounding, healthy teeth, so be sure to understand the pros and cons of removal before making your decision.
About Dr. Prach
Dr. Erin Prach loves seeing the positive impact her work has on each of her patients. She provides high-quality care in a comforting, safe environment. She is a Diplomate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and holds a “Qualified Dentist Designation” from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Prach also maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association and Wyoming Dental Association.
To schedule an appointment for wisdom tooth extraction, please visit our website today or call us at 307-337-4770.