During the late teenage years is the most popular time to have wisdom teeth extracted. Typically people develop 32 teeth, but most do not have room for them in their mouth. Wisdom teeth are typically the last teeth to come in and they are located behind the other molars.  When there is not adequate room for them to come into the mouth the may remain impacted or grow in sideways.  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the teeth partially come through the gum tissue they have potential to cause serious infections that could lead to bone loss, cavities on adjacent teeth, infection and hospitalization in severe cases.  In addition pathology like cysts and tumors may develop around the impacted wisdom teeth at any age which could necessitate removal.  

     We recommend extraction of wisdom teeth between the ages of 16-25 in order to prevent many of these problems and minimize surgical risks for the patient.