The wisdom teeth are what’s referred to as a vestigial body part – that is, they no longer have any practical use in the body. Instead, they’re a remnant of a time gone by, much like the tailbone. Below, we look at the best age to have wisdom teeth removed.
Despite this impracticality, most individuals still have wisdom teeth grow in to some degree. Most of these individuals, in turn, will have to have those teeth removed due to the problems they can cause with one’s oral health.
If you have tooth extractions planned or are just curious about what that process is like, here’s a guide describing the best age to go through this delicate process.
We refer to a group of teeth in the back of the mouth as wisdom teeth. These teeth get their name because they usually erupt into the jaw during a person’s late teens or early adulthood. The third and last molars in the back of the mouth are known as wisdom teeth.
One example of a vestigial organ is a wisdom tooth, which is a bodily element that no longer fulfills a specific evolutionary function. This puts them in line with the tailbone, another ancient remnant of our bodies.
As previously said, wisdom teeth are gradually disappearing from our evolutionary history. This is because their primary purpose was to aid in the chewing of fibrous wild plant stalks and difficult raw meat.
These teeth are just unnecessary now that we have the means to prepare our meals. After millions of years of evolutionary growth, wisdom teeth are absent. Dentists now believe that more than one-third of people are born without any wisdom teeth.
It’s generally preferable to get your wisdom teeth removed when you’re still young. In general, the preferred age for wisdom teeth extraction is between the ages of 18 and 24.
Dentists prefer to wait to extract a tooth until it is at least 2/3 of its full size – this typically doesn’t occur until the age of 18. On the other hand, fully mature wisdom teeth are much more complex to extract. This is why dentists recommend doing the procedure before the age of 24, which is when one’s wisdom teeth reach full maturation.
Wisdom teeth can quickly develop into major problems since they frequently cause people to endure excruciating pain if the problems they bring are not managed.
A decaying wisdom tooth can seriously impact the remainder of the mouth because it affects nearby teeth and the nerves that surround them.
Extracting wisdom teeth doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever, even though it’s not a simple surgery. A dentist first treats the affected area of the mouth with a local anesthetic. After this area of the mouth is completely numb, the wisdom tooth is extracted. Oral surgeons may be consulted for patients with more complex cases.
Recovery periods following wisdom tooth extraction can vary because every person’s circumstances surrounding this delicate procedure are certain to be a little bit unique.
The first 48 hours following the operation are typically thought to be the most uncomfortable. Following this procedure, the majority of patients will have some degree of discomfort, stiffness, and edema in their jaw and mouth.
The majority of patients recover completely in one to two weeks following their initial treatment. Even though difficulties are uncommon, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that they could arise. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether they expect any in relation to your particular case.
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t affecting you, most dentists advise getting them removed. This is because there is such a high potential for dysfunction with these teeth that doctors usually would rather take the initiative and extract wisdom teeth before they begin to cause issues with the other teeth in the mouth.
Maintaining optimal jaw health and overall body health is also indirectly linked to having a good set of teeth. You should be able to consult with your dentist about the reasons that this particular procedure is beneficial for you.
Smile Dental Boutique is the top dentist in Mission Viejo, and our award-winning team will do all that it can to ensure that your wisdom teeth removal process goes as smoothly and safely as possible. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, contact us today to get the ball rolling.
