Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are often an annoyance that can cause serious dental problems. A question that often plagues dental patients is, if wisdom teeth have no function, why haven’t they made their evolutionary exit?

Was there ever a need for wisdom teeth?

Among archaeologists, there is a common belief that third molars were used by our prehistoric ancestors to accommodate a diet of tough food like leaves, roots, nuts, and raw meats. When combined with a broader jaw, wisdom teeth allowed prehistoric man to survive.

However, as humans evolved, the development of food preparation techniques, as well as tools to eat with, allowed man to create foods that were easy to eat. With no need for the broad jaw and extra molars, evolution gradually led to the narrowing of the jaw. As a result, fewer and fewer wisdom teeth were able to emerge through the gums.

Why do wisdom teeth appear so late in life?

Development of teeth happens in stages. Just as baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, wisdom teeth are the next evolutionary dental milestone. While they may not erupt until young adulthood, the third molars begin developing around the age of 10. However, by the time wisdom teeth are ready to emerge, many people do not have enough space in the jaw to accommodate the molars. As a result, the teeth become impacted and push against existing alignment in an effort to break to the surface.

When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. For a rare few, the jaw and dental arch are wide enough to allow wisdom teeth to emerge and exist without disturbing dentition. However, most patients find that wisdom teeth become impacted or partially impacted teeth and painful, as well as detrimental to any prior bite alignment work they may have completed.

It is recommended that wisdom teeth are removed before the roots are fully formed and the jaw hardens, typically between the ages of 17 and 23. If you are considering wisdom teeth removal, contact our Lorton orSpringfield office to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction.