Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last four teeth to erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they are blocked from erupting normally by other teeth or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted to prevent these problems.
Dentists are qualified to extract wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are usually extracted in a dental office under local anesthesia. The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue and remove the tooth. In some cases, the dentist may need to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, and most people recover quickly with no complications.
