Wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—are the last set of teeth to appear in your mouth. For many people, they show up like unexpected guests in their late teens or early twenties. While some wisdom teeth grow without causing any problems, others can become painful, infected, or misaligned. That’s why it’s important to understand what they are, how they grow, and when they may need to be removed.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom teeth in simple, friendly language.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. Most adults have four wisdom teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom. They were helpful for our ancestors, who needed extra chewing power for raw and tough foods. But today, with softer diets and smaller jaws, many people don’t have enough space for these teeth to grow properly.

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When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, though they may come earlier or later for some people. Some may never develop wisdom teeth at all—and that’s completely normal!

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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Not all wisdom teeth create issues, but many do. The main reason is lack of space in the jaw. When there isn’t enough room, the tooth may:

1. Grow at an angle

It may tilt forward, backward, or sideways.

2. Get stuck under the gum

This is called impaction.

3. Push against nearby teeth

Causing pain, crowding, or shifting.

4. Create infection or swelling

Food can get trapped around the partially grown tooth.

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Common Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems

You might notice:

• Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth

• Swelling in the gums

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Bad breath

• Headaches or earaches

• Red or bleeding gums

If you feel any of these signs, it’s better to get your teeth checked early.

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Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Dentists classify impacted wisdom teeth into different types:

• Soft Tissue Impaction

The tooth is partly covered by the gum.

• Partial Bony Impaction

The tooth has partially erupted but is still partly inside the bone.

• Complete Bony Impaction

The tooth is fully trapped inside the jawbone.

The more deeply impacted the tooth is, the more complex the removal procedure.

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Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not always. Wisdom teeth that grow:

• Fully straight

• Healthy

• Painless

• Easy to clean

may never need removal.

However, if the tooth causes pain, infection, decay, or pressure on nearby teeth, removal is usually recommended. Sometimes, dentists suggest preventive extraction even if there’s no pain yet—especially if the tooth is likely to cause problems later.

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What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Removing wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Examination

Your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays to check the position of the tooth.

2. Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Sometimes sedation is provided for comfort.

3. Extraction

The dentist in Punjabi Bagh may make a small cut in the gum, remove a bit of bone, and gently take out the tooth.

4. Stitches (if needed)

Some cases require stitches that dissolve on their own.

5. Recovery

Healing usually takes about 7–10 days.

The procedure is usually comfortable and fast, especially when performed by an experienced specialist.

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Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Here’s how to heal smoothly:

✔ Use ice packs

Reduces swelling.

✔ Eat soft foods

Such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

✔ Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw

This can cause dry socket, a painful condition.

✔ Keep your mouth clean

But avoid vigorous rinsing for 24 hours.

✔ Take prescribed medicines

Painkillers and antibiotics help recovery.

Most people return to normal activities within 2–3 days.

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What Happens If You Don’t Remove Troubled Wisdom Teeth?

Ignoring problematic wisdom teeth can lead to:

• Repeated infections

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Damage to nearby teeth

• Cysts in the jaw

• Bad breath

• Facial swelling

That’s why early evaluation is crucial.

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How to Know If You Need a Wisdom Tooth Check-Up

You should see a dentist if:

• You are between 17–25 years

• You feel discomfort behind your molars

• You notice swelling or redness

• Your teeth are becoming crowded

• You have difficulty chewing or opening your mouth

A simple X-ray can reveal what’s happening beneath the gums.

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Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth may be small, but they can cause big trouble if ignored. Whether your wisdom teeth are emerging normally or causing discomfort, understanding them helps you make the right decisions. If you notice any signs of pain or infection, don’t wait—consult a dental professional early.

Keeping your oral health in check today helps you avoid complications tomorrow!