The reason to remove a healthy wisdom tooth has been named

American oral and maxillofacial surgeon Lee Kojanis explained in which cases even a completely healthy wisdom tooth may require removal. According to the specialist, such a decision is often made for preventive purposes to avoid serious dental problems in the future.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Yahoo, the doctor noted that when assessing a patient's condition, not only the current health of the tooth is taken into account, but also the likelihood of complications in the future. Due to their location deep in the oral cavity, wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean thoroughly, which is why they frequently become the source of various diseases.

Kojanis emphasized that mandatory indications for removal include cavities, cyst formation, inflammatory processes, as well as situations where a wisdom tooth may damage adjacent teeth, nasal sinuses, or nerve canals.

The specialist also explained why wisdom teeth have lost their original purpose. According to him, in the past, people had to chew tougher and more fibrous food, so additional molars were necessary. However, with the development of cooking, the use of fire, and the emergence of softer food products, the load on the jaw decreased significantly. As a result, through the process of evolution, the size of the human jaw has decreased, which is why modern people often lack the space for normal eruption of wisdom teeth.