Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, why removing it?

What are wisdom teeth, and why do they grow? Our carnivorous ancestors had wider jaws, and their diet, often raw meat, required more molars. For this reason, wisdom teeth, or third molars, were indispensable to them.

Nowadays, the human jaw is narrower, and the fact that we cook food makes it less tough. Third molars, while useful, are no longer necessary. However, most of the time, they don’t have enough space to grow properly, which may cause them to grow in at an angle or only partially emerge. When this happens, we call them impacted or semi-impacted teeth.

Semi-impacted teeth are partially covered by the gum, and bacteria can easily accumulate in this hard-to-clean area, causing cavities and infections. Similarly, impacted teeth can wear down adjacent teeth as well as cause cysts and abscesses.

That’s why dentists will often recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventive approach.

Wisdom teeth extraction

The roots of wisdom teeth form in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is therefore advisable to assess the growth and the need for extraction around that time. The extraction procedure should indeed ideally be performed at a young age, before the roots are fully formed.

You should know that wisdom teeth extraction is a routine operation that our dental surgeons have mastered and can perform smoothly. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns with our team. We will make sure to address them and offer soothing solutions if needed. We will also provide you with post-operative advice that can help you recover more quickly.

Contact Centre Dentaire Dre Nathalie Kadoch for an assessment of your wisdom teeth or those of your children!