What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure to extract one or more wisdom teeth, which are the last molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth can erupt without causing issues, but often they become impacted or misaligned due to a lack of space in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth, making extraction a necessary solution to maintain oral health.
The removal process varies depending on whether the tooth has fully erupted or is still impacted beneath the gum line. For fully erupted wisdom teeth, the extraction is similar to the removal of any other tooth. However, impacted teeth may require a more involved surgical approach, including making an incision in the gum and possibly removing some bone around the tooth. Dentists or oral surgeons typically perform wisdom tooth extractions in a dental office, and the procedure is generally done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.
