Wisdom tooth
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Wisdom tooth is the common name for the third molar, the last molar tooth located at the back of each jaw, upper and lower. A person in good health typically has four wisdom teeth: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower, one on each side. The term 'wisdom tooth' comes from the fact that these teeth emerge after childhood, in contrast to the other teeth that appear earlier.
These teeth are the last to erupt, generally between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five. Because space is often insufficient when they emerge, they may only partially erupt or remain completely embedded in the bone and gum tissue—a condition known as impaction.
Structure and eruption
The wisdom tooth has a crown (visible part) typically bearing several cusps, and roots varying in number—one, two, or three, sometimes fused or curved. This unpredictable structure is one reason these teeth are harder to remove than others. The lower wisdom tooth lies near the inferior alveolar nerve, while the upper wisdom teeth are near the maxillary sinus.
The number of wisdom teeth varies among individuals. Some people never develop one or more of them (agenesis), while others may have extra teeth. X-ray examination of the jaws is the standard way to determine whether these teeth exist and their orientation before eruption.
Associated complications
When a tooth erupts partially, the gum overlying it can form a pocket where food and bacteria accumulate. This can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation of the gum tissue (pericoronitis). It is also possible for the adjacent tooth to develop decay because the area is difficult to clean, and a cyst may develop around a fully impacted tooth.
Health management
If a wisdom tooth erupts fully, finds sufficient space, and can be cleaned properly, it functions like any other tooth and causes no harm. When complications arise—recurring inflammation, decay, or damage to adjacent teeth—a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, sometimes under general anesthetic. Pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening for several days afterward are common.