Why Wisdom Teeth Aren’t So Wise – Facts about Wisdom Teeth

Quick Summary

85% of people need wisdom tooth removal because modern humans no longer need these third molars due to softer diets and smaller jaws. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages 17 and 25, though 35% of the population is born without them, and when they do come in they often cause crowding, decay, impaction, and damage to adjacent teeth.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule a dental x-ray to determine if you have wisdom teeth before they erupt and cause problems like crowding or shifting that could undo orthodontic work.
• Monitor wisdom teeth closely for signs of impaction, including gum tenderness, swelling, bad breath, or trapped food, which indicate removal may be necessary.
• Consult a board certified periodontist who offers IV sedation for wisdom tooth extraction to ensure comfortable removal whether the tooth comes out in one piece or requires surgical sectioning.
• Address wisdom teeth early if they are pushing against second molars, as this pressure can cause infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cyst formation around unerupted teeth.

Removing your third set of molars, or more commonly called wisdom teeth, is a pretty common surgery. While many people are born with all four wisdom teeth, it is also common to have less than four wisdom teeth or even none at all. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 85% of people need wisdom tooth removal. This is why you need the best periodontists in Los Angeles, Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky to carefully remove your wisdom teeth if they are causing pain or damage to your other teeth.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

According to anthropologists, early humans had a much tougher diet that damaged and shifted their teeth. This allowed more room in their mouths for a third set of molars to come in that they used and needed to chew their food. However, today we have much softer food and with modern dentistry we are able to correct our smiles so we have much straighter teeth. We no longer need the third set of molars and experts also believe that our jaws have gotten smaller as we now prepare our food so differently than our early ancestors.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt from the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. However, about 35% of the population are born without wisdom teeth at all. You can find out if you have wisdom teeth before they erupt by your gums being x-rayed by your dentist or periodontist.

Fun Fact – Scientists knew that King Tut was about 19 years old when he died because of his wisdom teeth.

How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

There are many reasons why your wisdom teeth might need to be removed.

– They can cause crowding, shift your teeth and undo the work that your braces did to straighten them.
– Hard to clean, wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
– If impacted, wisdom teeth can get stuck under the tissue or only partially erupt from the gum. This can happen because there isn’t enough room for the tooth to come in or because it comes in at a wrong angle. This can trap food or plaque which can lead to swelling, gum tenderness, cavities, and bad breath.
– Damage to your second molars can happen if the wisdom tooth is pushing against it. It can also cause infection.
– A cyst can grow around a wisdom tooth that hasn’t erupted.

If you do need your wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky will administer IV sedation and pain killing medication so you won’t feel any pain. Depending on the position of your wisdom tooth, it can be removed simply by removing the tooth in one piece or an incision will need to be made in the gum and the teeth will have to be removed in several pieces.

The Best Periodontists in Los Angeles

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are the only board certified periodontists in the Brentwood area in Los Angeles. Their expertise and experience in oral surgery procedures will help you feel comfortable in knowing that you are in the best hands. They also specialize in IV sedation to make sure you are comfortable during your wisdom teeth removal. Call to make an appointment today at (310) 826-8242 or make an appointment online.

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