Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed- Unveiling the Reasons Behind the Procedure

Why do wisdom teeth get removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. While they used to be a valuable asset for our ancestors, modern humans often face complications when these teeth grow in. One of the most common questions surrounding wisdom teeth is why they get removed. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the removal of wisdom teeth and shed light on the potential consequences of keeping them.

Understanding the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth

To understand why wisdom teeth get removed, it is essential to first comprehend their original purpose. Wisdom teeth are believed to have evolved to help our ancestors chew coarse, tough foods like roots and nuts. However, with the advent of agriculture and the development of cooking techniques, our diet has evolved, and our jaws have become smaller. This change has led to a lack of space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, causing various dental problems.

Common Complications of Wisdom Teeth

The most common reasons why wisdom teeth get removed are:

1. Impaction: When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow in properly, they can become impacted. This means they get trapped beneath the gum line or partially emerge, leading to pain, swelling, and infection.

2. Crowding: Since our jaws have become smaller, there is often not enough space for wisdom teeth to fit in. This can cause overcrowding, leading to misalignment of other teeth and potentially requiring orthodontic treatment.

3. Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to gum disease. This can lead to infection, pain, and even tooth loss.

4. Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause cysts or tumors to form around them, which can damage the surrounding teeth and bones.

Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth

Removing wisdom teeth can offer several benefits, including:

1. Pain Relief: Removing impacted or infected wisdom teeth can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with these teeth.

2. Preventing Complications: By removing wisdom teeth early, potential complications such as gum disease, crowding, and misalignment can be avoided.

3. Improved Oral Hygiene: With proper dental care, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene when wisdom teeth are removed, reducing the risk of infection and decay.

4. Enhanced Appearance: Removing wisdom teeth can help improve the alignment of other teeth, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wisdom teeth often require removal due to their potential to cause pain, infection, and other dental complications. Understanding the reasons behind their removal can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their oral health. While wisdom teeth may have served a purpose in our ancestors, modern humans have evolved differently, and the removal of wisdom teeth can often be a necessary step towards maintaining a healthy and pain-free smile.