Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth commonly affect other teeth as they develop, becoming impacted or “coming in sideways”. They are often extracted when this occurs.

Impacted wisdom teeth fall into one of several categories:

• Mesioangular impaction is the most common form (44%), and means the tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth.
• Vertical impaction (38%) occurs when the formed tooth does not erupt fully through the gum line.
• Distoangular impaction (6%) means the tooth is angled backward, towards the rear of the mouth.
• Horizontal impaction (3%) is the least common form, which occurs when the tooth is angled fully ninety degrees sideways, growing into the roots of the second molar.

Wisdom teeth are extracted for two general reasons: either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted. Potential problems caused by the presence of properly grown-in wisdom teeth include infections caused by food particles easily trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where regular brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective. These infections can cause considerable pain and can put your health at potential risk. Other reasons wisdom teeth are removed include misalignment which rubs up against the tongue or cheek causing pain and potential crowding. Wisdom teeth extraction is very effective in alleviating and preventing these problems. Some of the common side effects associated with any type of tooth extraction include:

• Pain and swelling in your gums and tooth socket where the tooth was removed.
• Difficulty with or pain from opening your jaw.
• Slow-healing gums.
• Damage to dental work, such as crowns or bridges, or to roots of a nearby tooth.
• A painful inflammation called dry socket.