Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final teeth to develop. Most of us have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. They usually emerge during our late teens or early twenties.
Oftentimes, wisdom teeth become trapped, or impacted, in the jawbone and cause crowding, displacement, decay, infection or gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in many different directions-- horizontally, vertically, or at an angle.
Wisdom tooth surgery is performed, under local anesthesia or i.v. sedation, in your dentist's office, or an outpatient surgical facility. Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day.
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