Wisdom teeth or third molars are the teeth at the very back of the mouth. They most often grow in at age 17-25. It’s good to have as many healthy chewing teeth as possible. We usually want to keep wisdom teeth that;

- come in completely

- are lined up straight and bite properly against the opposing teeth

- can be kept clean and free of cavities by brushing and flossing

Many times, wisdom teeth cause problems though. There are three common problems that may occur. Occasionally, the wisdom teeth that are impacted or stuck against the molars in front of them. These wisdom teeth cannot come in all the way and can cause damage to other teeth. Wisdom teeth can also be positioned so that they are impossible to keep clean and free of cavities. Finally, food getting trapped around the wisdom teeth can cause gum infection called periocoronitis.

If wisdom teeth are to be removed, the procedure is often performed by an oral surgeon. Your dentist can examine any wisdom teeth and provide a referral if you desire. A good time to remove wisdom teeth is after they have grown to be close to the surface, but before the bone in the patients jaw hardens fully. This is usually between ages 17 and 25.