Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, these teeth come in without any issues. However, for many others, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, often making wisdom teeth removal a necessary step for long-term oral health.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. Anthropologists believe that early humans needed these extra molars to chew tough, uncooked foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. Over time, as diets changed and cooking made food easier to chew, human jaws became smaller. However, the number of teeth remained the same, which is why many people today experience issues when their wisdom teeth begin to emerge.

Common Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth erupt properly and align well with the rest of the teeth, they can be functional and harmless. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most people. Because of limited space in the jaw, wisdom teeth often become impacted—they don't have enough room to emerge or grow normally. This can lead to several complications, including.An impacted wisdom tooth may grow at an angle, remain trapped within the jawbone, or only partially emerge through the gums, making it difficult to clean and increasing the risk of infection.

When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?

Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing immediate problems, some dentists recommend proactive removal to prevent future complications. This is especially common in younger patients, as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not yet fully developed, making the extraction process easier and recovery quicker.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is a common outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s comfort level.During the surgery, the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. If necessary, they may remove the bone that blocks access to the tooth root or divide the tooth into sections for easier removal. Once the tooth is out, the area is cleaned, and the incision is stitched up to promote healing.The entire procedure usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.However, even if they aren’t causing problems now, your dentist may recommend monitoring them regularly through dental exams and X-rays.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth are a natural part of dental development, but they often create more problems than they solve. While not everyone needs to have them removed, for many, wisdom teeth removal is a proactive decision that helps prevent pain, infections, and dental complications later in life.If you're experiencing discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms near the back of your mouth, it’s best to consult a dental professional. Early evaluation and timely removal can protect your overall oral health and save you from more serious problems down the road.