Wisdom teeth and their importance in teeth anatomy have been a common discussion among dentists for quite some time now. While it is considered a dental milestone for many adults, for some, it can be a rather painful experience, requiring removal. 

But what exactly are wisdom teeth? Do you really need them? Why do some experience trouble with them? This article will try to reflect on all the answers you need about wisdom teeth and provide guidance on when and why removal might be necessary. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth Exactly? 

Wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars”, are the last set of teeth that grow as an adult. They are located in the very back of your mouth. 

Wisdom teeth grow in two ways. One is where they grow completely and properly, not causing any trouble. Meanwhile, some get stuck in the gums or jawbone and don’t completely grow. This case of growth is called “impacted wisdom teeth.” 

When wisdom teeth grow this way, it can result in infections, cavities, gum diseases, and other oral health issues. People having impacted wisdom teeth can find it very uncomfortable and may often experience pain. This is why many dentists recommend getting wisdom teeth removed if necessary. 

However, it is important to emphasise that not everyone has wisdom teeth. Some people can develop them as they grow, while some may not. But both are variations of normal, and not having wisdom teeth should not necessarily be a concern.

Purpose And Function 

If the wisdom teeth grow in the right position, they can give solid support to the back of your mouth and preserve the structure of the bone in your jaw. Not having them doesn’t mean you won’t have these supportive benefits. 

In general, there is no special need for wisdom teeth. This is why many healthcare professionals consider them vestigial, which means they had a purpose or function at one point in time, but that purpose is not there anymore. 

This conclusion is mainly based on the evolution of dietary habits and the need for wisdom teeth to grind food and assist with digestion. 

Our ancestors' primary diet was based on raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meats. Wisdom teeth were essential to help grind this food for easy digestion. But today, with modern food, dietary patterns, preparations, and eating utensils, there is no real need for wisdom teeth. 

As we got used to these dietary changes, our bodies went through some small evolutionary changes. For example, our jaws became smaller. This is why many people don’t have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to grow in.

Age of Growth 

Generally, wisdom teeth start to grow between the ages of 17 and 25. But it is important to remember that not everyone will be able to see full-grown wisdom teeth, especially in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, which get stuck to the gum. 

Anyone trying to understand what are wisdom teeth and if they all get them should be aware that, on average, 53% of the general population get at least one wisdom tooth. This also means that some may not develop it at all. 

Location And Appearance 

Wisdom tooth erupts and grows at the very back of your mouth, just behind the second molars. Those who have all four wisdom teeth will have one in each quadrant- upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right.

In terms of appearance, a wisdom tooth looks like a molar. They have two or three roots, while some can have four. However, the shape of the roots can vary from one person to another. 

Most of the time, these roots tend to fuse together, giving the combined appearance of one big, cone-shaped root. For some, these roots can curl or splay out in different directions. 

Do You Have Wisdom Teeth? 

To know if you have wisdom teeth, you can inquire about it from your dentist. Sometimes, they might ask you to take an X-ray to periodically evaluate the presence and alignment of the wisdom teeth. 

Depending on the evaluation, your dentist may also decide to send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation. 

Based on the results of the X-ray or advice from the surgeon, you may be recommended to extract the wisdom teeth before problems develop. This is only advised to avoid the need for more painful and complicated extraction a few years later. 

It is also important to note that extraction is easy among young people who have just developed wisdom teeth, as they are not fully grown and the bone is less dense. In older people, the extraction process can be complicated, and recovery may take longer. 

First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Growth 

There are a few signs and symptoms that say the growth of wisdom teeth : 

• Redness or swelling in your gums behind your last molars.

• Jaw pain or tenderness.

• Pain in the face due to wisdom teeth putting pressure on nerves.

• White flecks behind your last molars. These spots are likely the tops of your new teeth erupting through your gums.

Conditions and Disorders That Affect Wisdom Teeth 

• Wisdom tooth pain.

• Infection.

• Cavities.

• Gum disease.

• Damage to neighboring teeth.

• Cysts.

• Tumors.

Wisdom Teeth Removal 

When wisdom teeth develop any complex conditions or disorders, or in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, removal is the most common treatment. This procedure is often done by a dentist and oral surgeon at their office while under sedation. 

Sometimes, they can also be removed under general anaesthesia in a hospital when necessary. While people of any age can remove wisdom teeth, many people choose to remove them in their late teens or early 20s to avoid complications. 

Unlike other types of teeth, wisdom teeth are not essential to support biting or chewing. So, even if they are removed, they don’t need to be replaced. 

If you want to know more about wisdom teeth and whether you have them or want them removed, talk to our dentists for more personalised advice.