The human body often keeps surprising us in a minute way. From having a third nipple to not being able to digest lactose in adulthood, our body is a complex system that never stops intriguing us. One such marvel of our body is the fifth wisdom tooth. You may not have heard of it, but it’s in there, waiting for its day to come. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about your fifth wisdom tooth.
What is the fifth wisdom tooth?
The fifth wisdom tooth, also called distomolar, is a rare condition where humans have another set of wisdom teeth behind the last molars. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that appear on each side of the jaws in young adults, usually in their late teens or early twenties. However, distomolar also develops during the same time, just like your regular wisdom teeth.
Why do we have them?
Researchers believe that the fifth wisdom tooth is a vestigial structure, meaning it’s a part of our evolutionary history as a species. Before humans started cooking their food and eating a softer diet, our ancestors had four molars that helped them grind and chew raw foods like tough meat, nuts, and roots. With evolution, human diets became less dependent on these teeth, and the jawbones started shrinking, making a room for only 28 teeth rather than 32. However, the fifth wisdom teeth, being an evolutionary remnant of those four molars, managed to survive.
Are there any risks?
While having a fifth wisdom tooth is not rare, it can put you at risk of several complications. Since there’s not enough room for an extra tooth in the jaw, it can cause crowding, pain, and misalignment of your other teeth. The fifth wisdom tooth can also potentially get impacted, which means it gets stuck beneath the gums, causing inflammation and infection.
How do I know if I have a fifth wisdom tooth?
Sometimes, fifth wisdom teeth are hard to detect as they do not always cause pain or discomfort. A dental examination, including an X-ray, can help detect the presence of an extra wisdom tooth. However, if you experience any symptoms like swelling, pain, difficulty in opening or closing your mouth, or a strange taste in your mouth, you must consult a dentist immediately.
What is the treatment for a fifth wisdom tooth?
If your fifth wisdom tooth is not causing any problem, your dentist may recommend leaving it as it is. However, if it’s causing pain or other complications, your dentist may suggest removing it through oral surgery. The procedure is relatively simple and can be performed with local anesthesia or sedation. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend removing the adjacent molars to avoid further crowding.
Wrapping up
While the fifth wisdom tooth is a fascinating topic, we hope you don’t have to deal with any complications. Remember that even if the extra wisdom tooth doesn’t cause pain or discomfort, regular dental checkups are essential to maintain good oral health. Your dentist can identify any potential issues and provide suitable treatment before it causes any complications. Knowing everything about your teeth can help you take better care of them, and there’s nothing wrong with being curious about the wonders of your body.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)