Each year, approximately 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from 5 million people, according to research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. What’s the point of wisdom teeth if they are just going to be removed? Are they just useless “bonus” teeth that always show up late? The surprising truth requires looking back to our ancient ancestors. Keep reading to learn about the history of third molars and why dentists often recommend wisdom tooth extraction.

Does your mouth hurt and you don’t know why? If you are between the ages of 15 to 25, your wisdom teeth might be impacted, or stuck in your gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can not only be a source of discomfort but can also cause serious oral health problems. Let’s take a look at three signs your third molars may be impacted and how an oral surgeon can help you overcome wisdom tooth pain.