If your wisdom teeth haven’t made you any smarter, there’s a reason for that; despite their noble name, wisdom teeth don’t make us more intelligent. Instead, they are simply the third and last set of molars that grow in during our lifetime. Most people receive them in their late teens or early 20s, although some wisdom teeth never breach the surface.

If you’re intrigued by these late-blooming molars, Implant Center of Maui explains the purpose they serve and the reason for their name below.

What Are Wisdom Teeth? 

Wisdom teeth are similar to the molars that erupt during childhood. However, they come with a host of challenges your second set of rear teeth didn’t. While some erupt through the gums aligned and healthy, most grow in misaligned and pose a threat to a patient’s jaw.

To properly diagnose and correct the challenges of misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist will perform an exam and X-ray, consider the need for extraction, and come up with a safe and strategic plan that works well for you. 

Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?

These molars were dubbed “wisdom teeth” around the 19^th century. They are named as such because of the age at which they usually grow in. In contrast to “13-year-old molars,” which erupt during our elementary or middle school years, we get our wisdom teeth when we are older—and, hopefully, wiser.

While some of us may doubt our knowledge and experience during our high school and college years, it’s true that we visit our dentist for this last set near the brink of adulthood and newfound responsibility. 

For more information on wisdom teeth removal in your community, call Implant Center of Maui in Kahului, HI, at (808) 877-3606. To learn more about their dental care team and services, visit the website.