Though at one time a third set of molars proved necessary in early man, modern man has virtually no need for extras; as a result, wisdom tooth surgery is generally recommended to remove these unnecessary teeth.
Wisdom teeth develop in the far reaches at the back of the mouth during the mid to late teenage years. In the early history of man, diets were gritty and coarse; features that tended to grind down the teeth and wear them out at a young age. The additional chewing action that resulted from these diets also caused the jaw bone to extend further out; making more room in the mouth for the third set of molars that erupted just in time to take the place of worn teeth. Modern diets contain highly processed foods that no longer require such arduous chewing and tooth wear, rendering the wisdom teeth virtually useless and unwelcome in mouths that are now too small to accommodate them.
Because jaw lines are now smaller, there is generally no room for the wisdom teeth in the typical mouth. As a result, the large molars tend to grow in a crooked path as they push their way upward. This creates pressure on existing teeth and the jaw. Due to the proximity of the teeth, it is difficult to fully clean these teeth of the food and bacteria that becomes trapped in the little crevices created by the crookedness of the molars. This leads to infection, gum disease, cysts and cavities in these teeth.
To avoid these problems, wisdom tooth surgery is generally recommended at the first sign of their development in teenagers. Eliminating the potential threat is much easier than treating issues caused by molars allowed to remain, and the healthier, younger tissue of teenagers heals much more quickly than that of older individuals.
Surgery can be performed in the office of an oral surgeon under general anesthesia or through intravenous sedation. Incisions in the tissue surrounding the tooth allow the tooth to be exposed for removal. The actual procedure will depend on the advancement of the development of the tooth, as well as its position. Impacted teeth can present a more difficult challenge for extraction, as do teeth that have formed longer roots.
Wisdom tooth surgery is considered to be a wise choice for every individual to avoid the potential threat of disease that could cause serious complications later in life.