Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to come in at the back of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow or develop properly. These teeth may only partially come through or may not come through at all. To prevent further dental problems, your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed.

Your dentist will also make decisions about your safety and comfort during the surgery. There is no single best choice for anesthesia and sedation. The best option for you depends on your medical history and personal needs.

Some problems that can occur if wisdom teeth are not removed include:

• Infection
• Formation of cysts
• Possible crowding of other teeth
• Damage to nearby teeth

Generally, people heal faster, with fewer complications, if wisdom teeth are removed in their teens or early twenties.