The short version
- 1Not every wisdom tooth needs removal.
- 2Pain, infection, or damage to neighbors are common reasons for referral.
- 3Imaging and a clinical exam decide timing, not a website.
What they are
Third molars usually appear in the late teens or twenties, if they appear at all. Some people never develop them.
Impaction
An impacted tooth is blocked from fully erupting. Soft-tissue or bone can cover it, and cleaning becomes hard.
Common reasons for removal
- Repeated infections around a partly erupted tooth.
- Decay that is hard to restore.
- Damage or resorption risk to the second molar.
Questions to ask
- What happens if we watch for a year?
- What are the risks of removal vs keeping them?
- Who does the procedure, and what recovery looks like?
General information only. Molariva is not a dental or medical provider and this is not dental or medical advice. Talk with your own dentist about your situation. In an emergency, call 911. Updated October 30, 2026.