What are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?

The problem that most people have is that there is not enough room for their wisdom teeth to erupt through the gums correctly.

Wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars,” are the last adult teeth to grow in the mouth. Typically, most people have four wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth, two on top and two on the bottom. But why are they called wisdom teeth, what purpose do they serve, and why do they need to be removed?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Somewhere between the ages of 17 and 21, most people will begin to develop a third set of molars. Our molars are in the back of our mouth. They are flatter teeth that grind down our food.

When we are born, and then through our adolescence, we develop our first set of teeth, lose them, and then grow a whole new set. Then in early adulthood, our final set of teeth comes through. The reason our final set, or third molars, are called “wisdom teeth” is because they are the last teeth to emerge, and a person is older when they get them, you are presumably “wiser” when those teeth appear.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

The problem that most people have is that there is not enough room for their wisdom teeth to erupt through the gums correctly. In some cases, they grow in sideways, or not at all. When wisdom teeth don’t grow in properly, they can cause a variety of issues. Some of the most common problems that occur with wisdom teeth include:

• Infection
• Cyst formation
• Crowding of teeth
• Damage to adjacent teeth

Some people have what’s known as impacted wisdom teeth. This occurs when the tooth gets stuck under the gum or doesn’t have enough room to emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to tooth decay, disease, and other dental problems and can be extremely painful.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we will begin with an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and predict present or future complications. Studies indicate that early evaluation and treatment often result in a better outcome for the patient.

All outpatient surgery is performed under the appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. We are the only board-certified dental anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. However, depending on the type of extraction you may need, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty may refer you to an Oral Surgeon for your wisdom teeth removal.