Wisdom
teeth, also called third molars, are the last permanent teeth
to develop. They most often erupt (break through the gum) during
a person's late teens or twenties. Wisdom teeth are known for the
dental problems they can cause. Removing the wisdom teeth can help
take care of symptoms you're experiencing now. It may also prevent
future problems.
What can go wrong?
Many people's jaws are too small for wisdom
teeth to grow in properly. They often become impacted (unable
to fully erupt). Another common problem is that wisdom teeth are
hard to reach and clean. Complications may not develop until years
after the teeth first erupt or become impacted. Problems that
may occur now or in the future include:
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or infection,
your dentist is likely to advise removing them right away. But even
if you don't have symptoms, your dentist may still recommend removal.
This is because wisdom teeth roots mature and become more firmly
anchored to the bone as you age. This makes removal more difficult.
It also increases the risk of complications. And people heal more
slowly as they grow older.
