The “eights”, the last molars, which erupt between the ages of 18 and 25, sometimes even later.
Wisdom teeth are the “rearmost” teeth, i.e. the eights (third molars). They are the last teeth to grow, between the ages of 18 and 25, sometimes even later. Their growth can cause considerable problems; it can be painful and accompanied by inflammation of the gum through which they erupt.
If the teeth erupt properly, cause no problems and do not decay, there is no need to remove them.
Reasons for extraction
- Prevention – some people have a shorter jaw and therefore less room for the eights. Wisdom teeth may also be poorly positioned and push against the second molar (the seven), which they can damage. These teeth then cannot erupt and are removed surgically.
- The dentist and the patient decide together whether it is advisable to remove the tooth even if it is not yet causing problems.
- Treatment of periodontal disease, as the area around the wisdom teeth is harder to clean and bacteria that cause inflammation of the tissue around the tooth thrive there more easily.
- Extensive decay, involvement of the root canals and formation of a dental cyst. These teeth are also harder to treat, and the second molar is often damaged as well.
- Bad breath, which is often caused by poorer hygiene of the area around the wisdom tooth.
However, the decision to extract is always entirely individual, and the dentist bases it on your state of health and, where possible, on your wishes.
