The third set of molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth in your mouth to appear. Unfortunately, most adults have jaws that are too small to accommodate these extra molars. The wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they have formed at an odd angle, and may only partially emerge if they emerge at all.

While some people may not experience any problems from wisdom teeth, for others, they can lead to several dental health issues. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean and are therefore prone to cavities and infection. They may also put pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to crowding, toothache and jaw pain.

In these cases, the dentist may recommend that a wisdom tooth be extracted. While the number of teeth removed and the best approach will vary from person to person, the result is a healthier mouth overall.