Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth?

Your teen’s wisdom teeth come in during their later adolescence or even into their early twenties, and these can become problems. They can push existing teeth out of alignment, and since they grow with serious force, they can even crack enamel. One of the first questions that oral health professionals hear whenever these last molars come up is, “If they can be so harmful to our oral health, why do we even have wisdom teeth in the first place?”

Here at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Stillwater, OK, we understand that sometimes, wisdom teeth need to go. If your child’s dentist has recommended extraction of these molars, we provide quality, effective removal to help their smile stay safe. Wisdom teeth are evolutionary holdovers from a time when we ate raw meat, and now that our jaws are slimmer, people often don’t have room for them along your oral ridge. So, if your teen is ready for wisdom teeth extraction, we are too.

That last set of molars can pose problems. When it’s time to talk about their wisdom teeth, call COOMSA.

Your Teen’s Wisdom Teeth Are A Remnant Of The Past

When your child reaches their teen years, then their biannual checkups at the dentist are incredibly important. They need them every six months regardless of their age, but during this time, they have something extra to worry about: their wisdom teeth. This third and final set of molars tends to come in in their later teen years, and when they do, it’s important to keep an eye on them.

So, why do we even have wisdom teeth at all if they are only going to be an issue? The answer to that lies in the complex and often slow-moving world of evolution. When we ate raw meat, we needed much more jaw power to be able to chew. As our faces have become slimmer, however, many people do not have room for them.

Keeping An Eye on Their Smile Needs

At their routine biannual checkups, they receive a cleaning, an examination, and any necessary imagery. Digital x-rays are an incredibly helpful tool for dentists, and they give your teen’s provider a chance to see what’s going on below. By keeping them on a positive schedule of checkups, your child’s oral health team can spot problems early.

If their dentist recommends an extraction of some or all of their wisdom teeth, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on being a place where teens can experience oral health surgery in a safe and positive way. And we also know that, as parents, you want to know what’s going on.

Talk Teeth With Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

Your teen’s smile needs your help to stay safe. To find out more about our office or to schedule an appointment, call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Stillwater, OK today at 405-624-1300