Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically appear between ages 18 years and 25 years, located at the very back of the mouth. They played an important role in human evolution for grinding tough, raw foods but are now considered vestigial since modern diets and smaller jaws have made them largely unnecessary. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, erupt behind the second molars — usually four in total, one in each corner of the mouth. In some people, fewer than four appear, and in others, none erupt at all. Because modern jaws often lack enough space, wisdom teeth frequently become impacted (stuck beneath gums or against other teeth). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and swelling at the back of the jaw, gum infections such as pericoronitis, tooth decay and gum disease due to difficult cleaning, pressure and misalignment of nearby teeth, and jaw stiffness or cyst formation. Signs that your wisdom teeth may be causing problems include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, jaw or facial swelling, bad breath or unpleasant taste, and difficulty opening the mouth fully. While some wisdom teeth erupt normally and remain healthy, many dentists recommend removal when they are impacted, infected, or causing discomfort. Extraction is generally easier in younger patients, before roots fully form and bone becomes dense. Impacted wisdom teeth that remain symptom-free are sometimes monitored with dental X-rays to prevent future complications.