Many American adults are walking around missing some of their permanent teeth. In fact, nearly 90% of all adults in the United States have had their wisdom teeth removed. Just because many of your friends and relatives might be missing their wisdom teeth doesn't mean you have to lose them as well. Here are some signals you may be able to keep your wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Humans have had their third molars for millennia, and they needed those third molars to eat all the roots, herbs, vegetables, and fruits because they didn't cook them first. However, as humans evolved, they began cooking food, and they didn't have quite so much roughage in their diets. That third set of molars, called wisdom teeth because they are the last molars to appear, are now not necessary. People called these teeth wisdom teeth because they appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, which is supposed to be when you are older and wiser. However, there's nothing wise about removing your wisdom teeth when you don't need them removed. How do dentists know when wisdom teeth can be removed, and when they can remain?
The Case for Removal
Wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. If you have enough space in your mouth, most dentists allow your teeth to grow in. Some people's wisdom teeth can cause problems. Sometimes, wisdom teeth become impacted, which means the teeth are trapped underneath the gumline in the jawbone. Eventually, these impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, and cause jaw or tooth pain, headaches, or earaches. Your neck may even hurt if the infection is large or serious enough. If you are having trouble with your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them taken out. Otherwise, you can keep your wisdom teeth around for as long as you want them.
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Many American adults are walking around missing some of their permanent teeth. In fact, nearly 90% of all adults in the United States have had their wisdom teeth removed. Just because many of your friends and relatives might be missing their wisdom teeth doesn't mean you have to lose them as well. Here are some signals you may be able to keep your wisdom teeth.