Wisdom teeth, or 3rd molars, are the teeth furthest back in the mouth. They typically begin to emerge in early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are an evolutionary holdover from a time when humans had larger jaws and needed more molars to efficiently grind plant matter. As human mouths became smaller and dental care improved, wisdom teeth became increasingly problematic. Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental practice to treat or prevent issues from occurring.

If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary. It is important to understand why your dentist is recommending your wisdom teeth be removed, so you can make the right decision for your oral health.

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