Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, often causing discomfort and prompting the need for dental intervention. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and many people wonder why some individuals grow them while others do not.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, why Some People Don't Have Wisdom Teeth, the complications of impacted wisdom teeth, when removal is necessary, and why you should choose Harmony Medical Center for wisdom teeth removal in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth were essential for our ancestors, who had a tougher diet that included raw plant material and uncooked meat. In modern times, our diet has become softer, reducing the need for these teeth, and many individuals no longer have enough space in their mouths for them. Despite being largely unnecessary, wisdom teeth still develop in some individuals.
These molars are located at the very back of your mouth and are the last to erupt. However, they don’t always have enough room to grow properly, which can lead to various dental problems.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Studies suggest that 5% to 37% of people are missing one or more wisdom teeth due to genetic and evolutionary factors. Some individuals may not develop any wisdom teeth at all, with 2% of the population being completely toothless in this area. This is thought to be a result of evolutionary changes, as human jaws have become smaller over time, making room for fewer or no wisdom teeth.
Some people’s family history or ancestry may influence whether they develop wisdom teeth, with certain ethnic groups more likely to have them than others.
Why Do Some People Not Develop Wisdom Teeth?
Missing wisdom teeth can often be explained by genetics. As human diets have evolved, the need for wisdom teeth has decreased, leading to the shrinking of our jawbones. With smaller jaws and softer foods, there’s less need for wisdom teeth to help with chewing, which may explain why they are no longer essential for many people.
Our ancestors had larger jaws, which allowed for a complete set of molars. However, today’s smaller jaws may not have enough room for the third molars, causing wisdom teeth to either grow improperly or not emerge at all.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Implication occurs when a wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt from the gum or grows at an awkward angle. Impacted wisdom teeth are a common source of discomfort, infections, and other complications. These teeth may be trapped beneath the gum or bone, causing pain and potential damage to nearby teeth.
There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These are completely trapped beneath the gum and bone.
- Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These have partially emerged but remain trapped.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth has broken through the gum but remains beneath the soft tissue.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to several issues, including:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the jaw.
- Swollen or inflamed gums.
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- Damage to adjacent teeth.
- Infection or cyst formation.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's important to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons to discuss wisdom teeth removal:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth: This is often one of the first signs that your wisdom teeth are causing problems.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort when eating, especially when chewing.
- Swollen or red gums around the wisdom teeth: Gums that are inflamed or painful to the touch can indicate that the wisdom teeth are causing issues.
- Jaw tenderness: A feeling of tightness or soreness in the jaw may signal that wisdom teeth are becoming impacted or are pushing against other teeth.
- Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth: These can be symptoms of an infection around the wisdom teeth.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with our oral surgeon promptly to avoid further complications.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Work?
The process typically includes these steps:
- Consultation and X-rays: Our dentist will assess the position of your wisdom teeth through a clinical examination and X-rays.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the extraction, local anesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Extraction: Our oral surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, minor surgery may be required.
- Recovery: After the extraction, you will receive aftercare instructions to manage pain and promote healing. Recovery usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction
Why Choose Harmony for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
If you're in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and dealing with wisdom teeth issues, Harmony Medical Center offers professional care to address your concerns. We specialize in wisdom tooth extraction, providing services that are tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're experiencing pain, discomfort, or other complications caused by impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth, our expert team is here to help.
At Harmony Dental Clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we offer comprehensive services to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective wisdom tooth extraction experience:
- Comprehensive Consultations: We conduct thorough consultations to assess your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action based on your dental health.
- Advanced Imaging (X-rays): Our state-of-the-art imaging technology helps us accurately determine the position of your wisdom teeth, allowing us to plan the most effective extraction strategy.
- Expert Oral Surgeons: Our skilled oral surgeons are highly trained in both simple and complex wisdom teeth extractions, ensuring that your procedure is handled with care and precision.
- Anesthesia and Sedation Options: We offer local anesthesia or sedation options to ensure you remain pain-free and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Post-Operative Care: We provide clear post-operative care instructions to help you recover quickly and comfortably, minimizing discomfort and promoting healing.
Choosing Harmony Medical Center means you’re opting for a trusted, professional team committed to your oral health. Removing problematic wisdom teeth not only alleviates pain and discomfort but also helps prevent future dental problems, such as decay, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth. Our goal is to support better oral hygiene and overall oral health, ensuring that you can live your life without the worry of wisdom teeth-related complications.
Conclusion
Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and some individuals are born without them. While wisdom teeth may serve a function in certain situations, many people experience complications such as impaction, infections, or damage to surrounding teeth.
If your wisdom teeth are causing issues, removing them can prevent future dental problems and improve your overall oral health. If you're in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Harmony Medical Center offers expert wisdom tooth removal services, ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients. Book your free consultation with our skilled oral surgeon today!
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth
No. Some people may be born without wisdom teeth, while others may only develop one or two.
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are unable to fully erupt due to the lack of space or an awkward angle of growth.
If wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, cavities, or misalignment of other teeth, removal is typically necessary.
Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
While you can’t prevent impacted teeth, regular dental check-ups can help detect issues early and minimize complications.
At Harmony, wisdom tooth removal starts from AED 1,000 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Yes, we offer flexible payment options with 0% down payment through services like Tabby and Tamara. We also accept various insurance plans at our Dubai and Abu Dhabi dental clinics.