A wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon to remove one or more of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. These teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early 20s and may need to be removed based on your dentist’s recommendations.

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Why Take Them Out?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and they're spotted on X-rays. Most people have them removed for one of these reasons:

• They’re impacted. Because they're so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.

• They come in at the wrong angle. They may press against your other teeth.

• Your mouth isn’t big enough. Your jaw has no room for an extra set of molars.

• You have cavities or gum disease. You may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss.