After you turn 16, your dentist might start talking to you about your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the molars that grow in the way, way back of your mouth. They are the farthest teeth from the front, or the “third molars.” You will have four of them, two on the top (one right and one left) and two on the bottom (one per side just like the top). If they are impacted—they don’t emerge from your gums properly—you might need to get them removed, or extracted. There are all types of positions that the wisdom teeth might get stuck in under your gums, and some will be easier to extract than others. They become impacted so frequently because there isn’t as much room back there in your mouth as there is closer to the front. Some people don’t have to worry about their wisdom teeth at all, because they just don’t come in. Your dentist will let you know if this is the case.

X-rays can show your dentist if you have impacted wisdom teeth, which means you’re going to have to get them removed eventually. The earlier you get your wisdom teeth removed, the easier the process is. If you wait until you’re an adult, when the roots are more fully formed and the bones around your teeth are more dense, your procedure could become complicated and be much more painful. Your dentist or an oral surgeon can extract your wisdom teeth. The procedure doesn’t last more than a few hours, but the recovery period can be as long as one or two weeks. You will experience different levels of pain and swelling after your wisdom teeth are removed. Expect to be out of school for a few days, and to eat soft foods because chewing will be painful and difficult.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
The Dentist
Braces & Retainers
Wisdom Teeth