Wisdom Teeth Explained: What They Are, Why They Hurt, and When to Remove Them

If you’ve ever wondered why wisdom teeth seem to cause so many problems, you’re not alone—here’s what you need to know. They seem to appear out of nowhere, sometimes causing pain, and often needing removal. But what are they really? If you or someone you know is wondering about wisdom teeth, you’re in the right place! We’re here to answer the most common questions in a way that’s easy to understand.

Are Wisdom Teeth Molars?

Yes! Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in your mouth. Molars are the big, strong teeth at the back that are intended to help you chew tough foods like meat and nuts.

Long ago, wisdom teeth were essential because our ancestors ate a rough diet of raw plants, nuts, and meat. Their teeth wore down faster, and having extra molars helped them keep chewing as they aged. But over time, our diets and cooking methods changed, and so did our jaws. Today, we don’t need wisdom teeth to chew our food, so they aren’t necessary in our modern world. In fact, over a third of the population never grow wisdom teeth!

Where Are Wisdom Teeth Located?

Wisdom teeth grow in the very back of your mouth—in most cases, two on the top and two on the bottom. Some people get all four, while others may have more, some have fewer (or none at all!). The most one of our surgeons has ever seen in one mouth was twelve wisdom teeth! While some people never develop wisdom teeth at all.

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?

No, once wisdom teeth are removed, they don’t grow back. Unlike baby teeth, you don’t get a second set.

In the cases where it has seemed like wisdom teeth “grew back” it was later found that those patients had additional wisdom teeth that weren’t removed during the initial removal and then later erupted making it appear that they grew back, when, in fact, they did not.

What Do Wisdom Teeth Look Like?

Generally speaking, wisdom teeth look like other molars—wide and strong with deep grooves to help with chewing. It is very interesting though because of the differences in space and how they develop, wisdom teeth look different in almost every mouth. They can be all shapes and sizes!

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Most people get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. But not everyone’s teeth come in at the same time, and some people never get them at all! In fact, Dr. Otto Slater has mentioned a patient he saw that was in her nineties when her wisdom teeth finally erupted through the gum! There are so many factors that affect how and when wisdom teeth are ready to be taken out.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

Although not everyone experiences pain with wisdom teeth, many do, unfortunately. This is because wisdom teeth can:

• Push against other teeth
• Get stuck under the gums (impacted)
• Cause swelling or infection

If your wisdom teeth are hurting, it’s a good idea to see an oral surgeon right away. The one thing we have found with doing this for so many years is that the longer you wait when you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is the more complicated it can be to have them removed and recover fully. So act now and contact an oral surgeon you trust!

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are often removed because they:

• Don’t have enough room to grow properly
• Are causing pain or infection
• Could damage other teeth
• Are growing in at an odd angle

It is important to note that not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, especially in adults. The adage “when in doubt, take ‘em out” no longer follows current protocol for wisdom teeth. However, if they are pushing against other teeth, causing pain or discomfort or there are signs of infection or decay, then these would be cases that we would remove the teeth.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

A wisdom tooth removal is usually a simple procedure done by an oral surgeon. In most cases, they’ll use a light sedation in the office to help you remain comfortable, remove the teeth, and give you post-operative instructions on how to heal quickly. Most people recover in just a few days!

Will Removing Wisdom Teeth Change the Way My Face Looks?

For most people, no! Wisdom tooth removal doesn’t change your facial shape. In rare cases, some people notice a little less puffiness in their cheeks after swelling goes down, but your overall look will stay the same.

Taking the Next Step for Your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth may seem mysterious, but they’re just another part of your mouth’s growth. Whether they need to be removed or not, it’s always best to have an o

ral surgeon check them out, especially if they are causing pain or discomfort. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, we’re here to help!

Want to learn more? Download our free guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Wisdom Teeth,” for everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal, recovery tips, and what to expect.