The third molars or the wisdom teeth as they are known, are four in numbers. Their eruption age is from 17-25 years.
Wisdom teeth are many times impacted when there is less space in the jaw, its eruption is prevented by its direction or overlying bone or adjacent tooth. It is observed that 85% of the third molars have to be subsequently extracted. Impacted third molars cause further problems if there is growth of cyst or tumour, which may damage the jaw.
The position of the wisdom tooth and root eruption plays a major role in extraction of the wisdom tooth under local anesthesia.
