[The evolutionary historical (phylogenetic) background of the wisdom-tooth problem].

The almost ubiquitous wisdom tooth problem of modern man is in the present paper made the object of an analysis and evaluation on a comprehensive biological basis. It is pointed out that a number of fundamental traits of human cranio-facial evolution have implied developmental trends which have ultimately placed them at the bottom of the later wisdom tooth problem. These aspects are particularly associated with the discrepancy between the size of the jaws and the dental apparatus, arising by failing coordination in the tempo of regression of the separate masticatory elements during the phylogenetic process. The wisdom tooth problem, however, has not become manifest and acute until the present age, with the marked reduction of masticatory function which has taken place.