Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars to emerge in the mouth. They are located at the very back of the dental arches. Most individuals develop four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth, though some people may have fewer or none. These teeth often become a topic of discussion due to considerations surrounding their eruption.
Understanding Dental Numbering Systems
To precisely identify each tooth, dental professionals use specific numbering systems. In the United States, the most widely adopted system is the Universal Numbering System. This method assigns a unique number to each permanent tooth, ranging from 1 to 32.
The numbering sequence begins with the upper right third molar, designated as tooth number 1, and proceeds clockwise along the upper jaw to the upper left third molar, which is tooth number 16. The numbering then continues from the lower left third molar, assigned as tooth number 17, and moves along the lower jaw to the lower right third molar, which is tooth number 32. While other systems exist, such as the FDI World Dental Federation notation used internationally, the Universal Numbering System is the most common reference for a general audience in the United States.
Identifying Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are positioned at the very posterior of the mouth, behind the second molars. They are the last permanent teeth to develop and typically erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood, generally between the ages of 17 and 25.
This later emergence is precisely why they are commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth,” as they appear at an age when individuals are often considered more mature or “wiser” than during childhood when other permanent teeth emerge. While they are molars, wisdom teeth can vary in shape and size, and their roots may also differ from person to person.
Common Issues and Management
The emergence of wisdom teeth can lead to several common issues, primarily due to a lack of sufficient space in the jaw. When there isn’t enough room, wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they are blocked from fully erupting or grow at an unusual angle, pressing against adjacent teeth or remaining trapped beneath the gum line. This impaction can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in chewing or opening the mouth.
Impaction also increases the risk of infection, such as pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue, which can cause pain and pus. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to tooth decay in themselves or the neighboring second molars, as well as gum disease, due to the difficulty in cleaning these hard-to-reach areas. Less commonly, fluid-filled sacs called cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone and nerves.
Dental professionals usually monitor wisdom teeth through regular check-ups and X-rays. If problems arise or are anticipated, removal, also known as extraction, is a common solution. While the procedure can be performed at any age, dentists often recommend removal in the late teens or early twenties, as the roots are less developed, potentially making the extraction simpler and recovery smoother. However, if wisdom teeth are not causing any problems and are healthy, they may be left in place and simply observed.