Michael J. Karakourtis, D.D.S., Ltd.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molar teeth, are the last teeth to emerge into the mouth during the late teens, or "age of wisdom," which gives them their name. Most often there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth to properly erupt into the mouth causing the teeth to remain partially or completed imbedded. Early removal of impacted teeth give patients the advantage of rapid healing and less postoperative problems, and may prevent serious complications such as permanent damage to adjacent teeth, cyst formation, periodontal disease, infections, damage or resorption of the adjacent tooth root, and crowding of other teeth in the mouth. Impacted teeth should be removed as soon as it is evident that they will not properly erupt into the oral cavity. Wisdom teeth are easiest to remove in patients ages 15-21 or before they become a problem.