Wisdom Teeth and Evolution

Ever wonder why we have wisdom teeth, aka third molars, if there isn't enough room for them? What's the point of having them if we don't need them?  Well, to get the answer we must look to our ancestors...

About 100 million years ago, our ancestors looked a little more like Jay Leno on all fours (sorry, we do love Jay!).  That is to say they had much larger jaws to accommodate more teeth, which were crucial to survival in the prehistoric world.  Teeth were used not only for grinding and chewing up food, but also catching it!  The 'extra' teeth helped break down raw meat as well as tough roots and leaves, and because dentists weren't around back then to keep everybody in line, if a tooth were to rot out or get lost in a fight for dinner, it was okay because they had backup.

Once prehistoric man started walking on two legs, his hands were freed up to do things like catch prey (and maybe give a high-five or two), making those larger jaws a bit unnecessary.  Eventually the jaw reflected this change and became smaller and shorter, and when fire was discovered, dinner became softer (if the family had a good cook that is).  Thus the beloved wisdom teeth are no longer really utilized, not to mention there just isn't much room for them in our modern puny mouths.  So if you only have two or three wisdom teeth, don't let your friends with four (or maybe even five) tell you that you're not as wise as they are... you can tell them that you're just more evolved.  So there!

If you're a little less evolved and need your third molars removed, don't hesitate to make an appointment!

http://www.nothingbutwisdomteeth.com/contact.html

Ice Bucket Challenge Time!

Dr. Metro was recently challenged by her daughter, Avery, to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Dr. Metro accepted the challenge and will also be making a donation on behalf on Nothing But Wisdom Teeth.  In turn, she has challenged Dr. Adam Haney, Dr. Mark Holt and Dr. Sydney Moore!  Enjoy the video of Dr. Metro getting iced by Dana and Amy behind the Nothing But Wisdom Teeth office!  We'd love to see your videos too!  Post here or on our  Facebook.

http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal

Recovering after surgery to remove wisdom teeth is often a dreaded process...but it doesn't have to be!  Here are some tips, tricks and what to expect when you become 4 (or 5 or 6) wisdom teeth lighter...

Make sure someone is around to keep an eye on you when you arrive home from surgery.  It's a great idea for you and this person to read over your postoperative and medication instructions prior to the day of surgery and ask your doctor any questions you may have.

Rest as much as possible for the next 3-7 days.  Keep your head slightly elevated on the first day...maybe sleep in a comfy recliner or use two pillows.  Save your nice pillowcases from getting tinted red by placing a towel between it and your face.  Have ice packs or frozen peas ready for your cheeks for the first few days, and then apply warm compresses on the third to fifth days; this will help you avoid the oh-so-fashionable chipmunk look.

Warm salt water rinses will be your best friend after the first 24 hours.  However, don't swish or spit forcefully or even use a straw!  Just tilt your head from side to side and let the water fall into the sink when your done.  What is the point of that??  Well, any of those forceful motions can dislodge the blood clots that are forming in the sockets, and if you're left with an empty hole that food and bacteria can creep into you may end up with a dry socket...this will not be a pleasant experience.

Stock up on liquid or soft foods for the week after extractions.  Adding protein powder to a milkshake or smoothie is a good way to feel fuller longer.  You should avoid anything too spicy or hot and definitely nothing with little seeds that can get caught in the sockets. 
List of suggested foods:
Smoothies                                         Mashed Potatoes                           Instant Breakfast
Liquid Nutrition Drinks                   Apple Sauce, Popsicles                  Cream Soups
Yogurt, Pudding, Jello                      Ice Cream, Milkshakes :-)            Water, Juice

Day three is often the worst as far as pain and swelling so don't be alarmed.  Vomiting can unfortunately be a nasty side effect of surgery/sedation or narcotics, so your doctor may prescribe you an anti-nausea medicine.  This won't cause damage to the extractions sites, though.  Just gently rinse your mouth afterwards.

Wisdom tooth removal is a complex surgery involving skin, muscle, bone and nerves, so it is wise to follow all post-op instructions closely.  Stay on top of your pain meds and rest, rest, rest!

Want more details on postop care?  Click here.