Third molars are more commonly known as wisdom teeth. They begin to develop during adolescence. Most wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to erupt. As a result, they get stuck beneath adjacent teeth. We call these teeth impacted. Because impacted wisdom teeth are a haven for harmful bacteria, they can lead to cavities and gum infections. In many cases, young adults will begin to experience pressure type pain as the wisdom teeth try to erupt. And in some cases swelling may follow. Additionally, this pressure can lead to crowding of the anterior teeth.

It is  recommended to extract your wisdom teeth if they are not erupting properly. It is best to address impacted wisdom teeth before they become infected and start to cause pain. Be sure to inquire about a consult for wisdom teeth removal if you have any of the concerns mentioned above.