Question 1

What are wisdom teeth?

Accepted Answer

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each quadrant of the mouth—upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. These teeth typically begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, a period referred to as the “age of wisdom,” which is where the term “wisdom teeth” comes from. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some people might have fewer than four or none at all. Due to their late eruption and potential for causing dental issues such as crowding, impaction, and misalignment, wisdom teeth are often monitored by dentists, and in some cases, they might need to be extracted to prevent complications.

Question 2

Does everyone need to get their wisdom teeth removed?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. The decision depends on factors such as the wisdom tooth’s alignment, eruption status, the potential for complications like impaction or crowding, and the individual’s overall oral health. Wisdom teeth that are properly aligned, fully erupted, and can be maintained with good oral hygiene might not require removal. However, impacted wisdom teeth, those causing crowding or misalignment, and those prone to infections or gum issues are often recommended for removal to prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems. Regular dental checkups and X-rays are essential for assessing the need for wisdom teeth removal on a case-by-case basis.

Question 3

What does it mean when I hear about “impacted” wisdom teeth?

Accepted Answer

“Impacted” wisdom teeth are those that do not fully emerge or develop properly in the mouth due to factors like limited space or improper angulation. This can lead to complications such as pain, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth, and cyst formation. There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth based on their orientation, including vertical, horizontal, mesial, and distal impactions. Extraction is often recommended to prevent these potential problems. Dentists or oral surgeons assess the position of impacted wisdom teeth through X-rays and provide appropriate recommendations for treatment to maintain oral health and prevent discomfort.

Extracting teeth