Have you ever wondered why we get wisdom teeth—only to have them removed? You’re not alone! Wisdom teeth are one of the most mysterious and often problematic parts of our mouths. At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we get a lot of questions about them, so let’s explore why they exist, when they appear, and what to do if they’re causing trouble .
🦷 What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and they’re the last permanent teeth to erupt—usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four (one in each corner), but some have fewer—or none at all!
💡 Fun fact: They’re called “wisdom” teeth because they show up later in life—when we’re supposedly wiser 😉 .
🧬 Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were useful for our ancient ancestors, who had:
- Larger jaws
- A diet of coarse, raw foods (roots, nuts, raw meat)
- Higher rates of tooth wear or loss
Wisdom teeth served as extra chewing power. But today, our diets are softer, and modern dental care helps us keep our teeth longer. For most people, wisdom teeth are now a vestigial feature—a leftover from evolution .
😬 Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Most modern jaws don’t have enough room for these extra molars. That’s why wisdom teeth often:
- Grow in at odd angles
- Push against neighboring teeth
- Get stuck (impacted) under the gums
- Create pockets that trap bacteria, leading to decay or infection
These issues can cause pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and even damage to adjacent teeth .
🛠️ Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
Not always!
Wisdom teeth may not require removal if they are:
✅ Healthy
✅ Fully erupted
✅ Properly aligned
✅ Easy to clean
However, if they’re causing problems or likely to in the future, we typically recommend removing them in your late teens or early 20s—when healing is faster and the roots aren’t fully developed .
🏥 Monitoring and Removal at Pecan Tree Family Dentistry
We monitor your wisdom teeth with:
- Digital X-rays
- Periodic exams
- Bite and jaw alignment assessments
If removal is needed, we’ll walk you through every step and offer sedation options for your comfort .
📞 Think Your Wisdom Teeth Might Be a Problem?
Let’s take a look before they cause discomfort or damage.
Call us at (972) 562-0767 or book online to schedule your exam today.
