Wisdom Tooth Extraction

What are wisdom teeth? The wisdom tooth is another name for any one of four third molars found in the permanent dentition (adult teeth). These teeth are the last or most posterior teeth in the dental arch. Although most people have wisdom teeth, it is possible for some or all of the third molars to never develop. It is also possible for a person to have more than four wisdom teeth. In many individuals, the wisdom teeth aren’t visible because they have become impacted (not normally erupted through the gums) under the gingival tissue. What are signs and symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth? Pericoronitis is one of the most common indications for emergency wisdom tooth extraction and typically happens when there isn’t enough room for all of the teeth in the lower jaw. Infection symptoms are red, swollen gum tissue behind the last visible molar, bad taste/smell, pain with biting in the back teeth, and sometimes pus oozing and draining from the area. Occasionally, the infection will lead to swelling of the gum tissue, cheek, or another area around the affected side of the jaw.