Wisdom Teeth

There are usually upto 4 wisdom teeth: two upper and two lower teeth - one in each corner of the mouth.

In some cases, people may have no wisdom teeth while others have extras.

As a general rule, wisdom teeth erupt most commonly between age 17 and 21. Eruption may commence as early as age 13 in some and typically occurs before the age of 25. If they have not erupted by age 25, there is a possibility they will not erupt.

Aristotle noted: "The last teeth to come in man are molars called 'wisdom-teeth', which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes...causing great pain in their coming.".

In some individuals, the third molars may erupt with no problems whatsoever.

In other cases, the third molars do not erupt at all and also pose no problems or discomfort.

However, sometimes, the third molars may erupt and cause pain, gum trauma, decay and resorption of the adjacent teeth.

At Smile Hawthorn, we assess the position of the wisdom teeth, determine the need to remove them and discuss the procedure and risks involved if removal is required.