Wisdom Teeth: Blessing or Burden?
For some people, they are just teeth that appear later in life, for others, they cause terrible pain. So, why are some people born without them and why do some people have serious trouble with them?
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Starting with the basics, wisdom teeth are also known as third molars. They were popularly named as wisdom teeth because the time they usually appear is between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth located at the back of the jaw.
Why are some people born without Wisdom Teeth?
The reason of this is a matter of evolution. Different than the rest of the mammals that also have third molars, as humans evolve, our brains grew larger. However, with a larger brain, the jaw had to become narrower, therefore there was not enough space for all the teeth. Therefore, wisdom teeth have less room to grow, making it uncomfortable and painful for a lot of people.
Do Wisdom Teeth always need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. Some people are born with larger jaws which can accommodate for the wisdom teeth properly. For those who’s wisdom teeth aren’t able to erupt or erupt in the wrong position and therefore are impacted, will have to have them removed. If your wisdom teeth struggle to erupt, not only are the position of the rest of your teeth affected, but you are at risk of infection. If you do require removal of wisdom teeth, it won’t necessarily be all of them, but possibly just one or two in order to make space for the others to grow comfortably.
As wisdom teeth may affect the alignment and health of your whole mouth, it is important to have regular check-ups with your dentist to determine what the best option is for you.
If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth book a consultation with Dr Kate Amos or Dr Sam Rosehill at Ethical Dental on 6652 3185 or book online. Catching it sooner will prevent a lot of pain and disease in the future.
To learn more about your wisdom teeth check out our articles What to Expect from My Wisdom Teeth Surgery? and Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What to do?.
