Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common types of oral surgery designed to remove your wisdom teeth. These third set of molars typically come in either below the gums or impacted during a person’s late teens or early 20s. So why do these “unnecessary” teeth exist in the first place, and what oral health problems do they cause?

What Are Wisdom Teeth & How Can They Damage Your Oral Health?

They Are An Ancestral “Leftover”

To learn why wisdom teeth exist, you must go back in time. The first humans were hunters and gatherers who lived in nomadic tribes. These tribe members had third sets of molars for eating coarse foods, such as chunks of meat, nuts, roots, and leaves. Without these molars, ancient humans would not have had the chewing power necessary for survival.

They Can Cause Oral Health Complications  

In today’s world, there is no need to chew the same difficult foods as our ancestors. Wisdom teeth have subsequently become superfluous. In fact, there is no longer room for them in modern jaws. This overcrowding creates more crevices where food particles and bacteria can flourish, increasing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. The only way to prevent overcrowding is through wisdom teeth extraction.

They Are Slowly Disappearing

Though wisdom teeth extraction is a popular procedure, these unnecessary molars are increasingly disappearing from jaws all over the world. Some people are born with the sizable molars on one side only, while others have none at all. According to a study from the journal Nature, evolution will eventually eliminate them entirely, though at a slow rate.

If you require wisdom teeth extraction, rely on the talented dentists and oral surgeons at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. These experienced, highly-skilled professionals serve patients in Keller, TX and the surrounding areas, and strive to make every procedure as pain and stress-free as possible. Call (817) 741-2200 today to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more.