subject: Does keeping your wisdom teeth make you smarter? [print this page] Does keeping your wisdom teeth make you smarter?
The common public opinion regarding wisdom teeth is the longer you hold onto them, the wiser you will become. The truth is actually the exact opposite. Wisdom teeth are a common source of problems and their removal is important to preventing disease and promoting long term health.
What is the recommended age range to have your wisdom teeth taken out?
Typically, the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed is between the ages of 15-21. During this time the root formation is incomplete and the softer bone makes removal easier and less traumatic. Also, incidence of post-operative complications following wisdom teeth removal is higher in patients over 25 years of age.
Why do we have Wisdom Teeth and why should you have them removed?
Wisdom teeth are vestigial third molars that our ancestors used to grind down plant tissue or raw food. It is commonly thought that the skulls of our human ancestors had larger jaws with more teeth, which were possibly used to help chew down foliage for easier digestion. As human diets changed and became more easily digestible, smaller jaws gradually evolved. However, the "third molars" or "wisdom teeth" still develop in human mouths.
The most common problems associated with wisdom teeth are:
Pain and swelling from infected gum tissue
Gum disease (periodontal disease) developing between the second molars and wisdom teeth which can greatly compromise the health of the second molars, used for chewing
Decay (caries), which is when cavities occur in the wisdom teeth or on the second molars. This is very difficult, if not impossible, to treat
Cysts in the jaw bone cause significant destruction of bone and damage to surrounding structures (teeth, nerve, jaw bone)
Shifting of adjacent teeth is not entirely understood by dentists but impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor in teeth crowding
Who performs this procedure?
Often times regular Dentists will remove wisdom teeth but an Oral Surgeon has 4 to 6 years of formal surgical training in hospital-based residency programs. Oral Surgeons also have extensive training in anesthesia allowing you to sleep during the procedure.
So why should you have your wisdom teeth taken out? To maintain your health and prevent all these problems from occurring! If you're getting one taken out, mine-as-well get them all taken out. The best practice is to have all four (assuming you have all 4) removed at the same time!
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