Wisdom tooth removal in Cocoa Beach has become sort of a rite of passage for many young adults. It seems like everyone has funny stories of how they acted after their extraction procedure, or they fondly remember how they got to eat ice cream for a few days once they got home. Have you had your wisdom teeth removed? If not, do you really need to have the procedure done? Let’s talk about why this surgery is often necessary.
We’re Not Built for Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are classified as “vestigial structures,” which means that they serve no necessary function within the human body. So, then, why do we have them? The prevailing theory relates to the idea of evolution. Many scientists believe that our ancestors needed three sets of molars in order to effectively chew all of the rough foods in their diet. As society advanced, the human diet became more refined, and we began to use more utensils to eat our food. Therefore, wisdom teeth became unnecessary.
The theory also states that the human mouth has become smaller over the generations. Many people simply do not have the room in their oral cavity to accommodate their wisdom teeth.
Problems With Wisdom Teeth
Because there isn’t room in the mouth for all the wisdom teeth, problems often result:
- As they erupt, the wisdom teeth may put extra pressure on teeth next to them, leading to overcrowding and misalignment.
- It’s often difficult to keep wisdom teeth clean. Food and bacteria may sit on them for a long time or become trapped in the gums around them, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and tumors sometimes form around impacted (not fully erupted) wisdom teeth.
Removing the wisdom teeth has the potential to prevent all of the above problems and keep your smile as healthy and functional as possible.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Really Necessary?
Not everyone experiences problems with their wisdom teeth. For some individuals, they are able to functional as normal, healthy chompers. However, if you have not had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s very important that you see your dentist in Cocoa Beach regularly for checkups. Monitoring your third molars is vital so that if they do start to cause issues, you can have them removed before they wreck your smile.
Some individuals choose to have their wisdom teeth removed purely as a precautionary measure. If you would like to consider this possibility, you can discuss all of the pros and cons of the surgery with your dentist. Once you understand the potential risks and rewards of getting your third molars extracted, you can make an informed and confident decision.
About the Dentist
Dr. Gary Nawrocki has been practicing dentistry for almost four decades, but the years have not dimmed his enthusiasm for helping his patients to enjoy healthy smiles. If you would like to talk to him about your wisdom teeth or any other oral health concerns, please contact our office at 321-783-7514.