{"id":14053,"date":"2021-08-31T16:09:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T16:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14053"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:03","slug":"wisdom-teeth-removal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2021\/08\/31\/wisdom-teeth-removal\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Wisdom Teeth Really Need to Be Removed? Find Out Here!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You\u2019ve just been told you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed, but why? They don\u2019t hurt or bother you, so why are these teeth so commonly extracted? This rite of passage for most young adults is an important dental treatment. However, you may be wondering if it\u2019s even necessary. Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth and what can happen if you don\u2019t get them extracted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Wisdom Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wisdom teeth are the 3rd<\/sup> molars (the farthest teeth in the back of the mouth). They usually grow in when you\u2019re older, between the ages of 17 and 25, which is much later than the rest of your permanent teeth. That\u2019s why they\u2019re called \u201cwisdom teeth\u201d \u2013 you\u2019re older (and hopefully) wiser than you were when your other teeth grew in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do They Need to Be Removed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people do not have a mouth that is large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth. The jawbone only has so much space, which is why prolonging extraction can cause serious problems. In many cases, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow in properly, which is why they are typically impacted. Wisdom teeth can not only damage the jawbone, but they can also push your other teeth around, leading to misalignment and severe pain. They also cause sinus issues, gum inflammation, and higher risk of tooth decay because they are hard to reach and clean properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Humans Have Wisdom Teeth if they Just Get Removed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If wisdom teeth are extracted in most cases, why do you have them? Well, this is a relic of evolution. Back in the cavemen era, humans were nomads \u2013 hunters and gatherers. During a time without processed, softer foods, humans needed an extra set of teeth to chew through the tough meats, leaves, and roots that they regularly ate. With the help of technology and agriculture, jawbones eventually began to shrink in size. However, the wisdom teeth still grow in, which is why they are usually problematic without extraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is it Time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering how you\u2019ll know when it\u2019s time for your wisdom teeth<\/a> to come out, remember these common warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n