From our late teenage years, a third set of molars called the wisdom teeth appear. Back in the mists of time, this third set of chewing teeth were necessary as man lived on tough foodstuffs such as roots, berries, nuts and meat.
In the modern era, these extra molars are largely unnecessary as we now have:
– Smaller teeth
– Smaller mouths
– Smaller jaws
Deemed as being relatively useless many people opt to have wisdom teeth removed but this is unnecessary unless they cause problems such as becoming impacted. During check-ups your dentist can check if they are impacted and may recommend extraction.
Further details about impacted wisdom teeth can be found at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/do-we-need-our-wisdom-teeth/.
I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.