Third molar

Third molar

The third molar, commonly referred to as the wisdom tooth, is one of the three types of molars. It is the last tooth to erupt in the human dentition, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25.

Anatomy

The third molar is located in the distal portion of the dental arches. They are the most posterior of the three molars and are situated in the corners of the mouth. Like other molars, they have a larger and flatter surface designed for grinding food. The number of roots for third molars can vary from one to three.

Eruption and potential issues

The eruption of the third molars often causes discomfort and can lead to complications such as impaction, pericoronitis, and caries. Impaction occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for the tooth to erupt properly. This can cause the tooth to grow at an angle, potentially damaging adjacent teeth. Pericoronitis is an infection that can occur around the crown of the tooth, and caries are cavities that can form due to difficulty in cleaning the area.

Treatment

Treatment for issues related to third molars can range from pain management to oral surgery. In some cases, if the third molar is causing discomfort or other issues, it may be recommended to have the tooth extracted. This is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a general dentist.

See also

• Dental anatomy
• Tooth eruption
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Wisdom teeth

Third molar Resources
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