Wisdom Teeth: Are They Necessary?

Wisdom teeth are a common topic of discussion when it comes to dental health. These third molars, which typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, often cause issues that lead to their removal. But why do we have wisdom teeth, and are they truly necessary? This blog post will explore the role of wisdom teeth in human evolution and when removing them is recommended.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth were essential for our ancestors, who had a diet consisting of raw plants, nuts, roots and tough meats. These extra molars helped early humans grind down fibrous foods, aiding digestion and overall nutrition. In these times, humans had larger jaws with more space to accommodate extra teeth, making wisdom teeth a functional and necessary part of their dental structure.

However, as human diets evolved with cooking and food processing, the need for additional molars diminished. Over time, our jaws have also become smaller due to evolutionary changes, leaving little room for wisdom teeth to grow properly. This mismatch between jaw size and the presence of wisdom teeth is the primary reason why they often become problematic in modern humans.

Are We Evolving to No Longer Need Wisdom Teeth?

There’s strong evidence that humans are evolving to no longer need wisdom teeth. Some individuals are even born without them! Studies suggest that as our diets have softened over generations, the genes responsible for wisdom teeth development are becoming less active. As a result, an increasing number of people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all or only develop one or two instead of four. This evolutionary trend means that in the future, wisdom teeth may completely disappear in humans. However, for now, many people still have wisdom teeth, making wisdom tooth removal a necessary procedure in many cases.

When Wisdom Teeth Removal is Recommended

For most people, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt properly, leading to a range of dental problems. These can include:

• Impaction – When wisdom teeth become trapped under the gums or against other teeth, they can cause pain, infection and swelling.
• Crowding – The eruption of wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, leading to orthodontic issues.
• Decay – Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them prone to cavities.
• Cysts & Damage – In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or damage the surrounding bone and teeth.

Because of these risks, many dentists recommend wisdom tooth removal as a preventive measure before serious complications arise. The best time to remove them is usually in the late teens or early twenties when the roots aren’t fully developed, making the procedure easier and recovery quicker.

Contact Us Today

Experiencing an issue with your wisdom teeth? East Bentleigh Dental Group is here to provide expert dental advice and care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.