Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars found at the very back of the mouth. Most people get them during their late teens or early twenties. They are a valuable asset when they grow healthy and properly positioned but they may require removal when they come in misaligned or remain impacted.

Misaligned and impacted wisdom teeth eventually crowd and damage the adjacent teeth Those that grow leaning towards other molars may make these teeth vulnerable to decay by harboring food particles and dental plaque Partially erupted wisdom teeth leave a trap for bacteria to enter and multiply and cause infections.

Your dentist can examine the positioning of your wisdom teeth. An x-ray can evaluate the alignment of your teeth. Generally, wisdom teeth are removed at the earliest possible time, usually in the late teens, when the root of the teeth have not completely formed and the bones around the teeth are more pliable and hence, healing is quicker.