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What Is the Purpose of My Wisdom Teeth?

extracted tooth sitting next to a small mirror

At the very back of your mouth, you have a third set of molars called “wisdom teeth.” Most people get these teeth between 15-25 years old. While they aren’t a problem for some people, many need their wisdom teeth removed. What’s the purpose of these teeth?

Wisdom Teeth: Our Ancestors Needed Them

Experts believe our ancestors needed wisdom teeth for eating. Without cooking or tools, a broader jaw and more molars were needed to chew food like raw meat, hard nuts, and chewy roots. As we evolved and our diets changed, the human jaw shrunk. Today, there’s not as much room for wisdom teeth, which is why so many people needed them removed!

What Happens If I Don’t Get My Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Some people’s mouths have enough room for their wisdom teeth, but many don’t. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, which is when there’s no space for them to erupt and they get trapped beneath the gums. This can cause pain and infection. Wisdom teeth can also erupt at an angle, crowding your other teeth and shifting your bite. It’s harder to clean crowded teeth, so wisdom teeth can make you more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

What’s Wisdom Teeth Removal Like?

Before starting the extraction, we’ll numb the area around your wisdom teeth so you don’t feel pain. Most procedures take around an hour, though it depends on how many wisdom teeth you have and how complicated the surgery is. You should take it easy for at least two days and eat soft foods. We’ll always provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Dental Solutions of Columbus in Columbus, IN

Our early ancestors needed their wisdom teeth, but for most of us, these molars cause problems! At our office, we’ve performed hundreds of wisdom teeth removals. If you have any questions about us or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, please contact us at Dental Solutions of Columbus today!

Dental Solutions of Columbus

Dental Solutions of Columbus