Wisdom teeth are the last molars in the back of the mouth. They typically enter the mouth between the ages of 17 & 21. When they enter correctly, they will help you chew. Sometimes, there can be discomfort when they’re coming in, a sort of young adult “teething”.
Often, there may not be enough room for them to grow into the mouth. In other words, they are “impacted”. Impacted wisdom teeth frequently have no symptoms but sometimes they can become infected & painful & must be removed.
Removing wisdom teeth is a routine procedure, usually performed by an Oral Surgeon. Sometimes patients prefer to be put asleep with sedation, but often they can comfortably be removed using only a local anesthetic (Novocaine). There might be some swelling & soreness, but usually only for a couple of days.
If wisdom teeth need to come out, the best time to do it is as a young adult. This is because as we age through adulthood the jawbone around them gets more solid making them more difficult to remove.
In summary, if there is room for them, wisdom teeth can be a healthy, extra area to chew food. If not, especially when they are causing problems, then removal as a young adult by an Oral Surgeon is generally best. See your Dentist to help you make the best choice.
