Living without Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically develop in the late adolescent years or early adulthood. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and those who do may not necessarily keep them. In fact, wisdom teeth are often removed due to complications related to their growth or positioning. Here are five things you need to know about living without wisdom teeth.
1. It’s common to have them removed.
Many people have their wisdom teeth extracted due to their potential complications, including impaction, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and pain. In fact, some dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed even before they cause problems, as a preventive measure.
2. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth.
While wisdom teeth are a common occurrence, not everyone develops them. Some people may only develop one or two wisdom teeth, and others may not develop them at all. Dentists can use X-rays to determine whether or not someone has wisdom teeth and whether they need to be removed.
3. The removal process is typically straightforward.
Despite the potential complications involved with wisdom teeth removal, the procedure itself is usually straightforward and performed on an outpatient basis. Most people experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days.
4. Living without wisdom teeth may not affect your ability to chew.
While our ancestors may have needed their wisdom teeth to chew tough foods, modern diets don’t require such intense mastication. Therefore, living without wisdom teeth typically doesn’t impact one’s ability to chew or digest food.
5. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Whether or not you have wisdom teeth, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
In summary, while wisdom teeth are a common occurrence, not everyone develops them and many people have them removed due to complications. Living without wisdom teeth typically doesn’t affect one’s ability to chew, but it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent dental issues.
