What is the third molar?
Disease description:
I've recently started experiencing toothaches again, each time occurring at night. After undergoing an oral examination, it was determined that the pain is caused by the third molar. What is a third molar?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The third molar, commonly known as the wisdom tooth, is the last tooth to erupt in the human mouth and is located at the very back of the dental arch. Normally, there is one in each of the upper and lower jaws, left and right sides, making a total of four. However, the shape, number, and eruption direction of wisdom teeth vary among individuals, and some people may be missing part or all of their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth erupt relatively late, generally between 18 and 26 years of age, which is also the reason they are called "wisdom teeth," as this is the period when human intelligence has fully developed.
The function of wisdom teeth in the oral cavity is not significant. With human evolution, the jawbone has become smaller, leaving insufficient space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. As a result, they often develop into impacted teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues. Therefore, if wisdom teeth are malpositioned or impacted, early removal is usually recommended to prevent potential oral health problems. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant dental professional.
