Wisdom Tooth

A wisdom tooth is one of the third molars located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws. These teeth usually emerge between the late teens and early twenties and may erupt fully, partially, or remain unerupted (impacted). A partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth can create a pocket where bacteria collect, increasing the risk of infection, inflammation, and bad breath.

Problems linked to a wisdom tooth include pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, damage to neighbouring teeth, and, less commonly, cyst formation. Diagnosis is usually by clinical examination and dental X-rays, and management ranges from routine monitoring and symptom control to surgical removal if the tooth causes recurrent pain, infection, or threatens adjacent teeth; antibiotics or referral to an oral surgeon may be necessary in some cases.