why do they call them wisdom teeth? they don't make you smarter.?

Answer 1

i thingk the name comes from reaching adulthood and , hoperfully, having gained wisdom by that time. most people don't get their wisdon teeth until they're 18 or later, supposedly the age of wisdom. or, at least, adulthood

Answer 2

Wisdom teeth are third molars that usually appear between the ages of 18 and 20 (although they may appear when older, younger, or fail to appear at all). They are called "wisdom teeth" because they appear so late—much later than the other teeth, at an age where people are supposedly wiser than as a child, when the other teeth erupt. Often they need to be removed when they impact against other teeth—colloquially known as "coming in sideways."

Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they are covered by soft tissue (gums), hard tissue (bone) or both. Just as with any extraction, once teeth are removed, the body starts the process of healing the extraction site, via inflammation (sending cells, nutrients and proteins to the site of the wound) and wound healing (organizing all those things into a matrix and eventually filling in the socket). Unfortunately, inflammation hurts, and that's why there's ibuprofen- over the counter is fine, but usually your dentist will give you something stronger (by prescription).
If the teeth are in your mouth (erupted), the surgical procedure will go more smoothly (most of the time), than if they are impacted, in which case more gum tissue has to be pushed around, and possibly some bone removed to get the teeth out. One last thing about 3rd molars- they are like the wild cards of molars. They can tilt all different ways, and have roots that twist in different directions. Bottom line- the more hard and soft tissue (bone and gums) that have to be disturbed to remove the tooth, the more complicated the surgery, the more healing there is, and the more pain. Make sure you ask your dentist for pain meds that are appropriate for the level of impaction that the wisdom teeth had.

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http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-wisdom-teeth.htm

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Answer 3

They are generally thought to be called wisdom teeth because they appear so late—much later than the other teeth, at an age where people are supposedly wiser than as a child, when the other teeth erupt.

Answer 4

Wisdom teeth are third molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 24 (although they may appear when older, younger, or may not appear at all). They are commonly extracted when they affect other teeth—this impaction is colloquially known as "coming in sideways." [1] Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have more or fewer. Absence of one or more wisdom teeth is an example of hypodontia. Any extra teeth are referred to as supernumerary teeth.[2][3

Answer 5

I think it's because the come in later in life (mine didn't come in until I was 29!!), at a time when you've supposedly gained some wisdom :-)

Answer 6

I don't know...I lost my wisdom when I had my wisdom teeth removed.

Answer 7

Probably because they emerge around the time you approach adulthood and have increasing wisdom.

Answer 8

gosh i really hope they don't make me smarter cos i had one pulled out some moons ago ;p

Answer 9

Maybe it's because when you have to get those suckers pulled, it feels like they are taking part of your brain with them...

Answer 10

i think the idea is that you grow them as u mature... and so grow wiser at the same time