Wisdom teeth have already served a greater purpose, but as humans have evolved, the role of wisdom teeth has become much less important. Although wisdom teeth can be useful for growing properly, they do not always do so and therefore need to be removed when they become problematic.
Nowadays, wisdom teeth do not perform many necessary functions, although they can be useful as the third set of molars, if they grow properly. Wisdom teeth are an interesting part of human history, however, and understanding the role they play can be a good thing.
Our human ancestors, like people who lived thousands of years ago, depended on wisdom teeth or third molars much more than they do today. In a world where meat was not cooked well, sharp knives were not used to cut meat into tiny pieces and chewing food required a lot more pressure on the jaw. A third set of molars was crucial.
However, as we grow and develop, wisdom teeth have become less and less important, as we now consume food in a completely different way that involves much less tearing, chewing and squeezing. Although the role of wisdom teeth in humans is reduced today, they can be useful for those who are able to grow them properly.
Many historians believe that our ancestors had much larger jaws that could easily fit wisdom teeth once they were embedded. As the need for wisdom teeth decreased, our jaw size became smaller, to the point that many could no longer have wisdom. The teeth grow properly.
For these people, it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth to prevent damage to other teeth, gums or jaws. Wisdom teeth improperly embedded can cause misalignment of other teeth, severe pain and swelling that can make it difficult to clean the mouth and cause complications in the jaw.
Many postponed wisdom teeth removal as long as possible for fear that the procedure would be painful. Although pain and swelling may still occur after surgery, the wisdom tooth removal procedure itself is not painful because the patient is placed under anesthesia.
Removing the affected wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that are growing inappropriately, consists of placing the patient under anesthesia, making a small incision in the gum line to fully access the teeth, remove them, and then clean and close them. the gums again. After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to keep your mouth clean and avoid anything that may irritate the affected areas.
These molars are known as molars or molars and are located at the back of the mouth. They can vary in size and shape, but are the largest teeth in the mouth. The molars are rounded and used to crush food into pieces that are easy to swallow. Smaller, sharper front teeth are used to bite and tear food. The molars are designed to withstand great forces when chewing, grinding and squeezing. Each molar is anchored in the mandible with two to four roots.
The average adult has twelve molars, six of them in the upper jaw (identified by his dentist as “upper jaw” for his position in the upper jaw) and six in the lower jaw (identified by the dentist as “jaw” by his position in the lower jaw). Each side of the upper and lower jaw has three molars.
There are three types of molars. They arise after a child loses his baby teeth:
The first molars, also called six-year molars, because they are the first of the three to break out at the age of six.
Second molars, also called 12-year-old molars, because they explode around age 12.
Third molars or wisdom teeth that appear between the ages of 17 and 21.1 years
Anatomically speaking, molars are designed to withstand great force during chewing, grinding and squeezing as they have a large crown and two to four roots firmly implanted in the jawbone
Third molars or wisdom teeth are remnants of our evolutionary past, when the human mouth was larger and more suitable for additional teeth. These extra teeth were useful for chewing food such as roots, nuts, leaves and hard meat.3 This type of diet was tooth-friendly – especially without the useful hygiene products we enjoy today, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss – hence our Ancestral teeth exposed to significant wear and tear due to tooth decay.
Despite the current popularity of “paleo diets”, modern humans do not consume foods that require these extra teeth. Our foods are much softer in general and, with cooking and utensils, the day of the useful wisdom tooth is over. However, evolution has not yet reached us and, therefore, we gained these extra teeth later in our youth.
Unfortunately, although it has not yet gotten rid of our wisdom teeth, evolution has made some adjustments to the size of our jaws over the course of our history. The jaws of modern humans are smaller than those of our ancestors4. This is associated with a number of problems when these wisdom teeth try to recede.
When wisdom teeth form, our other teeth can block them and are known as “affected”. When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it can create a haven that is difficult to access for bacteria, which can lead to serious infections of the gums and surrounding tissues. Wisdom teeth can never erupt3. This also presents problems, including the possible development of cysts or tumors that, if left untreated, can cause significant damage to the jaw bones and teeth.
These problems are the reason why many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. It is recommended that this surgery be performed in young adulthood, when complications are less likely and minimal.
Some people may not need to have their wisdom teeth removed immediately, as they arrive without problems: a study estimates the number to be around 15 percent of the population.5 Even in these cases, it may be recommended that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent problems that arise from developing later in life, when surgery has more complications and longer healing times.
What are wisdom teeth and how did they get their name? Wisdom teeth are basically the third row of molars. They were called “wisdom teeth” because they usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. The good majority of people will have to deal with wisdom teeth at some point. So, let’s take a look at these interesting and sometimes problematic teeth.
Wisdom teeth were necessary for ancient humans to chew and eat. Our ancestors had a much more severe diet than the one we enjoy today, like leaves, roots and meat that can have their teeth worn out more quickly, so they needed that third set of molars. Over time, the types of food we eat have changed so that they are no longer needed. As a result of development over time, some people just don’t develop them. Some develop them, but they have no problems. In most cases, about 85% of people with wisdom teeth will need to be removed.
As science advances, our wisdom teeth are explored. In fact, some researchers have found that they can be used to make stem cells. You can keep these teeth in place after pulling them out. On the other hand, researchers are also looking for ways to prevent wisdom tooth growth.
Over time, humans have developed smaller jaws than our ancestors. Because of that, we simply don’t have room in our mouths to hold extra teeth. One of the problems that can arise due to wisdom teeth is that they overcrowd our other teeth and can cause aesthetic problems, such as crooked teeth and result in jaw pain, swollen gums and other mouth irritations.
A common problem is that they can be affected. This happens when the teeth are misaligned and have no space to break the surface, which is quite uncomfortable. Another problem with wisdom teeth is that they are so old that they can be difficult to clean. This carries the risk of infection and tooth decay. For these reasons, the dentist usually recommends removing wisdom teeth.
How do you know if your teeth are causing problems? This is usually seen during routine visits to the dentist. However, if you experience pain in your jaw, swollen or sore gums or a “strange” taste in your mouth, make an appointment to find out what’s going on.
Only your dentist can answer this question. X-rays will show if they have evolved, how they got in and if there is enough space for them. Sometimes, the dentist only recommends letting some of them go.
About 35% of the population does not develop wisdom teeth. This is possibly a result of evolution, as they are no longer needed. For those who develop them, not everyone will develop problems. Some dentists may recommend pulling them out anyway, as a preventative measure.
Pulling out a wisdom tooth is no fun, and pulling them all out is even less fun. However, if your teeth are potential problems, it is best to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Many dentists advise letting them go early. Teens or early adults are good candidates for the procedure because the roots of the teeth are often not fully formed and the recovery time is quicker and easier.
This is an outpatient procedure, but it is considered an operation. You will receive local or general anesthesia. After the procedure, you will receive care instructions to speed healing and prevent infections. Discomfort occurs at the site of the operation, including jaw pain and soreness. You can receive a prescription for painkillers for this. You will have bleeding for a few days, which should subside and then stop.
One of the most notable side effects of this procedure is swelling. You can look like a squirrel for a few days! You can also hurt. All of these symptoms should go away after a few days and you should see your dentist. You are likely to prefer fluids and soft foods for a few days. If you love ice cream and pudding, this is your place to pamper yourself. Avoid smoking or chewing hard food, gum or straws. You will probably schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure your mouth is healing.
As always, looking after your teeth is a big step towards overall health. Regular dental checkups can help prevent tooth decay or identify other problems before they progress. Remember to brush your teeth and floss every day and avoid sugary drinks and foods that cause cavities.
