Does Everyone Have To Have Their Wisdom Teeth Taken Out
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of your mouth. They usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties. Some people may never have them, while others may have one, two, three, or four.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were useful to our early ancestors who had larger jaws and ate tougher foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. Over time, our diets have become softer, and our jaws have become smaller, making wisdom teeth unnecessary.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and in proper alignment with the rest of your teeth, you may not need to have them removed. However, if your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist may recommend removal.
What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and bite problems.
- Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth may become trapped under the gumline, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
- Decay and gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to decay and gum disease.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Your dentist or oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. They will then make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. The tooth may be extracted in one piece or divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. After the tooth is removed, the incision will be closed with stitches.
What Is The Recovery Period Like?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising for a few days after the procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth after surgery, including how to manage pain and swelling, what to eat and drink, and how to keep the extraction site clean. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any problems, you may be able to keep them. However, if your dentist recommends removal, it is important to follow their advice to prevent future problems.
