Summary
Overview
Josh and Chuck explore the evolutionary history and modern controversies surrounding wisdom teeth. They discuss why humans developed these third molars, why many people no longer need them, and debate whether prophylactic removal is medically necessary or over-prescribed. The hosts share personal experiences with wisdom tooth extraction and examine the risks versus benefits of surgery.
Personal Extraction Experiences
Josh shares his memorable first experience with anesthesia at age 17 when having his wisdom teeth removed. Coming out of sedation, he hallucinated seeing a poster on the wall that read 'locomotive lasagna,' which later turned out to be a normal dental poster. He humorously theorizes that dentists might intentionally mess with young patients experiencing their first drug-induced state, and laments never using 'Locomotive Lasagna' as a band name.
- Josh was 17 years old when he had his wisdom teeth removed under anesthesia
- He hallucinated a poster saying 'locomotive lasagna' while coming out of anesthesia
- The poster was actually just a normal dental poster, but he theorizes dentists switch them to mess with sedated patients
" I came out when I was 17 of my first anesthetic experience and hallucinated a poster on the wall that said locomotive lasagna. "
Why We Call Them Wisdom Teeth
The hosts trace the origin of the term 'wisdom teeth' back to ancient Greece, where they were called 'odontious sophias' meaning 'teeth of wisdom.' These third molars typically emerge much later than other teeth, anywhere from age 17 to mid-20s, long after childhood teeth have come in. The name reflects the idea that by the time these teeth appear, a person has gained some life experience and wisdom.
- Wisdom teeth can start developing as early as 5 years old and as late as 15, but usually erupt between ages 17 and mid-20s
- The Greek term 'odontious sophias' literally translates to 'teeth of wisdom'
- They're called wisdom teeth because they come in much later than other teeth, when you have more life experience
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