Wisdom teeth (third molars)

Wisdom teeth are the four molars at the very back of the mouth, two on top and two on the bottom. They are also called third molars. The ADA says they usually appear between ages 17 and 21. The name comes from the fact that they arrive at a more mature age.

When they come in straight and have room, they can help you chew. Sometimes they do not have room to come through. A wisdom tooth that cannot come in normally may stay stuck under the gum as an impacted tooth. Partly erupted wisdom teeth can also cause gum swelling called pericoronitis.

A dentist uses an exam and x-rays to decide if they need to come out. Our office describes extractions on its tooth extraction page.