Topic Overview
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because usually they come in when a person is between 17 and 21 years or older, during what has been called the age of wisdom.

Most problems with wisdom teeth develop in people between the ages of 15 and 25. Few people older than 30 develop problems that require removal of their wisdom teeth.

What causes problems with wisdom teeth?
When wisdom teeth emerge, a number of problems can occur.

Your jaw may not be large enough to accommodate them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums. This happens in about 20% of people.

More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection and damage to other teeth and bone.

Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food can become trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful.

One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.

What are the symptoms of wisdom tooth problems?

Impacted wisdom teeth often cause no symptoms. Symptoms that may mean your wisdom teeth need to be removed include:

Pain near the impacted tooth.
Pain or irritation from a tooth coming in at an awkward angle and irritating your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of the mouth.
Swelling in the flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted tooth that has partially broken through the gum.

How are problems with wisdom teeth diagnosed?

A dental professional will examine your teeth and gums for signs of wisdom tooth emergence or crowding and will take X-rays to determine whether your wisdom teeth are causing problems now or whether they are likely to cause problems in the future.

What is the treatment for wisdom tooth problems?
The most common treatment for wisdom tooth problems is removal (extraction) of the tooth. Experts disagree about when to remove impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing obvious symptoms or problems. Oral surgeons generally advise that wisdom tooth extraction is easier in younger people, when the roots and bone are not completely developed.