Do you know you have three sets of molars? The rear set is called your wisdom teeth. While this last group of teeth doesn’t look different from the others in your mouth, it is unique.
Wisdom Teeth Grow Differently
Wisdom teeth are permanent molars that do not replace baby teeth. Since this last set of molars grows in the very back of your mouth, the teeth don’t always have enough room to reach the surface of your mouth. This causes them to grow at odd angles, such as at an angle into the second molar. Occasionally, they grow perpendicular to your other teeth or have no room to grow at all. Teeth that are impacted, meaning they have only partially erupted or are entirely hidden within the gums, often need to be removed. Some people may not experience any discomfort, while others may have excruciating pain leading to removing the teeth. An oral surgeon Lombard IL is usually the doctor to perform the procedure to remove the hidden molars.
These Molars Are Unnecessary
Before people had access to modern dental care, tooth decay was a common occurrence. Without brushing their teeth, removing plaque or having a dentist fill a cavity, rotting teeth often fell out. Having a spare set of molars made it easier for people to continue eating nuts, seeds and meat. As medicine has evolved faster than people have, this third set of teeth are no longer needed. Some researchers are even trying to find a way to prevent these teeth from growing in all together.
Extracting Teeth If Very Common
Dentists and oral surgeons see hundreds of thousands of patients a year for wisdom teeth removal. The process uses advanced tools and techniques which make it less painful for you and make a recovery quick. Most patients request to be put to sleep for the procedure, so you aren’t aware while the process takes place.