Rear teeth are known as third molars or wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to erupt around 16-24 years of age. Most people have four wisdom teeth- two upper and two lower. Some people may have less than four or no wisdom teeth.

Most of us will have enough room for these to erupt normally, in line with our other teeth. In such situations, they have the same function as the other molar teeth. In other instances, wisdom teeth can get impacted when there is insufficient gum space for normal eruption.

When do wisdom teeth need removal?

While you usually have about 32 teeth in your mouth, sometimes your jaw can be too small to accommodate them all. If there’s not enough space for a wisdom tooth to come through properly, it may erupt at an angle. Before too long, it can start pushing against an adjacent tooth, causing pain and irritating the cheek and gums. The wisdom tooth will have become an impacted tooth.

Impacted teeth can lead to gum infection, tooth decay, damage to other teeth, and even jaw cysts. Sometimes lymph glands under the jaw become swollen and sore as a result of recurring infections. Extraction of the wisdom tooth or teeth may be the best solution. Generally, upper wisdom teeth tend to be easier to remove than lower ones, and they are more likely to be impacted.