Wisdom teeth, which are also called third molars, are the last teeth to erupt unless they become impacted. It is thought that they were originally called wisdom teeth because they erupt when a person has started to develop wisdom, between the ages of 17 and 21.

If third molars need to be removed due to lack of space or complications, like infection or bad position it is usually done during the teenage years. Waiting until the teeth are fully developed makes removal more complicated and painful.

Third molars can erupt normally into a functional position, get caught in the bone (impacted), trapped against the tooth in front of it (the second molar), or erupt sideways (non-functional). If the third molars erupt in a functional position they may or may not be healthy. Often times these teeth are so far back in the jaw they cannot be maintained well and develop cavities and/or periodontal disease. This decay and disease may spread to other teeth. Many people do not have enough room in their jaw for the third molar to erupt normally. In these instances the third molars often stay fully or partially impacted in the bone. Fully impacted third molars can sometimes be okay if the do not push against the second molar or develop a cyst. Cystic teeth need to be removed to prevent jaw fracture. Sometimes the third molar is partially impacted, meaning that it erupts partially through the bone and gum but not into a functional position. Partial impaction is a problem because bacteria from the mouth will get to the tooth and will not be cleanable. Partially impacted third molars should be removed.

One of the best ways to evaluate third molars is a panoramic x-ray. This x-ray shows the jaw bone, all the teeth and other structures that are important to determining if the third molars are developing normally. If your dentist recommends removing the third molars, it is often best to remove them before they fully develop so they are less anchored to the bone and far away from the nerve. After the molars are fully developed there is a higher chance of nerve damage or bone loss in the area.