Evolutionary theory concludes that humans evolved from ape-like ancestors, and in the process the jaw became smaller, leaving less room for the third molars. This conclusion was a major factor in the common past dental practice to remove relatively healthy wisdom teeth during adolescence. Recent empirical research has concluded that this practice is unwise and often needless. Third molars in general should be left alone, and if a problem develops, they should be treated as any other teeth, and efforts to deal with the problem should be foremost.