While our prehistoric, hunter-gatherer ancestors had larger jaws to easily accommodate a third set of molars, with evolution our jaws have shortened – making it uncomfortable and often painful for our wisdom teeth to squeeze in, as well as rendering them useless for most people.
History of wisdom teeth removal
Back in the pre-dentist days of hominids – whose diet consisted of raw meat, plants, and nuts – wisdom teeth served as a convenient way to back up teeth when other teeth cracked or became infected. Fast forward to modern-day times, however, where the emergence of wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25 in most adults is an inconvenience more than anything; our much softer diet and far-from-caveman lifestyle means our mouths no longer make room or need extra teeth.
From Hominid Helpers to Modern Misfits:
Our ancestors, living thousands of years ago, chewed on tough raw meat, crunchy nuts, and fibrous plants. Their teeth faced constant wear and tear, often chipping or breaking. In this harsh environment, wisdom teeth served as crucial life savers. Emerging in their late teens or early twenties, these extra molars acted like a backup set. They provided additional chewing power, helping our ancestors break down tough food and obtain essential nutrients. Think of them like a spare tire for a car – a safety net that ensured they could continue eating and surviving.
However, times have changed. Our modern diet is much softer, thanks to processed foods and cooking techniques. This means our jaws have evolved to be smaller, leaving less space for those late-arriving wisdom teeth. This mismatch is the root of most wisdom teeth problems today. They often erupt partially or even sideways, causing pain, crowding, and damage to other teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can even lead to infections, cysts, or tumors.
Therefore, wisdom tooth removal has become a common dental procedure in modern times. It’s not always necessary, but it’s often recommended to prevent future complications and maintain optimal oral health.
A Softer Diet Makes Room for Trouble:
As our diets changed over time, becoming softer and more processed compared to the raw and tough foods our ancestors consumed, our jaws evolved as well. They gradually became smaller, but our number of teeth didn’t decrease accordingly. This mismatch in size created a common issue: the lack of sufficient space for wisdom teeth to grow properly. So, in essence, our modern diet contributed to a common problem where our smaller jaws struggle to accommodate these additional molars, leading to various wisdom teeth-related issues.
From Convenience to Inconvenience:
In the past, wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors, acting as backup teeth. But with changes in diet and jaw size, these teeth have become problematic for us. Their late appearance often causes issues like crowding, misalignment, and painful impaction. This can damage nearby teeth and lead to infections or even serious conditions like cysts and tumors. Overall, the usefulness of wisdom teeth has shifted to causing more problems than benefits in modern times.
Why do we need to remove wisdom teeth?
Why do so many adults require wisdom tooth removal? Common problems relating to wisdom teeth include decay, repeated infections, crowding, damage to other teeth, as well as cysts and tumours. Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t giving you any symptoms, if they haven’t fully emerged, dentists may still recommend extraction. When wisdom teeth are extracted at a younger age, they are not fully formed, therefore the procedure tends to be easier, avoiding complications down the track, in addition to faster recovery time.
A Crowded Mouth, Unhappy Teeth:
When wisdom teeth lack enough space to fully emerge, they get stuck under the gum or only partially come through. This condition is called impaction and brings various problems like pain, swelling, and discomfort. When these teeth remain trapped, they press against neighboring teeth, possibly causing them to shift or sustain damage. It’s harder to clean around impacted teeth, raising the risk of bacterial growth and infections. Extracting these teeth is often necessary to prevent complications and relieve discomfort. Regular dental check-ups can catch these issues early on, preventing potential problems.
Damage to Neighboring Teeth: Unwanted Roommates:
Impacted wisdom teeth, when they can’t fully break through the gum, tend to lean on the neighboring teeth, disrupting their alignment. This pressure might cause crowding, shifting other teeth out of place and potentially resulting in misalignment issues. Moreover, the difficulty in cleaning around these cramped teeth increases the risk of decay and gum diseases in the affected areas. As these impacted teeth continue to grow, they could cause structural damage to nearby teeth, impacting their health and positioning. Regular dental check-ups help spot these concerns early on, preventing further damage and addressing issues before they worsen.
Preventing Future Problems: Removing the Root of the Issue
Removing wisdom teeth preemptively is a proactive measure aimed at avoiding potential oral health complications. By extracting these teeth before they cause issues like pain, infections, or harm to neighboring teeth, individuals can prevent future dental problems. This procedure helps eliminate the risk of impaction or overcrowding, reducing the chances of infections and the need for more complex dental treatments down the line. This proactive approach ensures immediate relief and works toward preventing possible oral health issues, promoting overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups facilitate the identification of these potential problems and guide in choosing the best steps to maintain optimal oral health.
What does the removal process involve?
An examination and dental X-rays will determine the length and complexity of the extraction. Fully erupted teeth can be removed under local anesthetic; gum that is attached to the tooth is removed, and the tooth is then shifted so that the fibers between the tooth and jawbone break, allowing the tooth to be removed. Post-procedure, the extraction socket is cleaned, and any sharp bone edges are smoothed. Stitches may be applied to the extraction site if necessary. For partially erupted teeth, incisions are made in the mucosa on or adjacent to the tooth, which allows the bone surrounding the tooth to be exposed and the tooth extracted.
Setting the Stage: Pre-operative Preparation
- Consultation and Diagnosis: A thorough dental examination and x-rays help assess the position of wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary.
- Medical History Review: Sharing any relevant medical history ensures safe and appropriate treatment.
- Anesthesia Selection: Different types of anesthesia, like local or general, are discussed based on individual needs and preferences.
Procedure: Taking Action
- Exposure and Access: Incisions are made in the gum to expose the impacted wisdom tooth and surrounding bone.
- Sectioning and Removal: The tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal using specialized dental instruments.
- Cleaning and Closure: The socket is thoroughly cleaned, and the gum tissue is stitched back to promote healing.
Post-Operative Care: Healing and Recovery
- Pain Management: Medication is prescribed to manage discomfort and swelling.
- Dietary Recommendations: Soft foods and plenty of fluids are recommended for healing.
- Oral Hygiene Instructions: Specific instructions for brushing, flossing, and rinsing are provided to ensure proper wound care.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Individualized Variations: Adapting to Different Scenarios
- Complexity: The procedure may vary in complexity depending on the position and impaction level of the wisdom teeth.
- Additional Procedures: In some cases, bone removal or other surgical procedures may be needed to facilitate tooth extraction.
- Recovery Time: Healing time varies depending on individual factors and the complexity of the procedure.
Do you need wisdom teeth removed?
So while you won’t be any more or less wise after having your wisdom teeth removed, you will be reassured that you will have avoided potential problems, your wisdom teeth may have caused in the future.
Whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed depends on several factors, including:
- Symptoms: Did you experience any pain, pressure, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth?
- Wisdom tooth position: Are your wisdom teeth impacted, meaning they are unable to erupt properly?
- Risk of infection: Are you prone to gum disease or other infections?
- Damage to other teeth: Are your wisdom teeth pushing against or damaging your other teeth?
- Overall oral health: What is the condition of your teeth and gums?
The best way to determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed is to consult with your dentist. They will perform a thorough examination, including x-rays, to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and discuss the risks and benefits of removing them.
Balmain Dental will assist and guide you through the evaluation and extraction process if required.