What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Are They Often Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, usually emerging between the late teens and mid-20s. Some people experience no issues when their wisdom teeth come in. For many others, there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate them properly, which can lead to a range of complications.
Common issues related to wisdom teeth include:
- Impacted teeth trapped beneath the gums
- Partial eruption creating openings where bacteria can enter
- Crowding that shifts other teeth out of alignment
- Tooth decay or gum disease due to hard-to-clean areas
- Jaw pain, swelling, or infection
Wisdom teeth that grow at awkward angles or do not fully emerge may damage nearby teeth or cause ongoing oral health concerns. For this reason, regular monitoring and, when necessary, timely removal are often the best approaches.