Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically start developing in the teen years. By the end of that period, the crowns of the wisdom teeth usually begin to erupt through the gums, if there’s sufficient room. By your mid-twenties, wisdom teeth will have entirely erupted through your gums, or become impacted.
While wisdom tooth removal is seen as a rite of passage, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are correctly positioned and completely healthy, they can remain. If wisdom teeth are crowding your other teeth, they will likely require removal.
If wisdom teeth symptoms such as pain, soft tissue infection and extensive tooth decay aren’t addressed, they can eventually lead to various dental problems: damaging adjacent teeth, tooth or gum disease and oral cyst development.
Your dentist can determine the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend the type of extraction.
