Wisdom teeth (also called 3rd molars) develop in the jaw-bones from approximately age 12 and try to erupt at around age 18.

Most people have 4 wisdom teeth, 2 upper and 2 lower ones. Some people do not develop all their wisdom teeth and can be missing one or more wisdom teeth (approximate 10%). In many people there is not enough space at the rear of the jaws for wisdom teeth to fully erupt and be functional. When there is NOT enough space for the wisdom tooth to come through, the teeth become wedged or “impacted”. Impactions can involve just soft tissue (gum), or hard tissue (bone). Some fully buried wisdom teeth remain in place and cause no obvious trouble; however, many will eventually cause problems.

The harsh and threatening world of the caveman no doubt often lead to the occurrence of broken teeth and even tooth loss. Once a tooth (or a portion of it) is missing the teeth behind it have a tendency to move forward. This shifting would make more jawbone space available for the wisdom teeth. In comparison, with the advent of modern dentistry there are relatively few reasons why a tooth should be lost or remain in a state of disrepair.

Jaw size, wisdom teeth position and angles are easily seen on a Full Mouth X-Ray, called a Panoramic or OPG X-Ray. Where roots are fully formed on wisdom teeth, (approximately 23 years and over) 3D X-rays are used to determine the exact location of surrounding nerves in relation to the position of the wisdom teeth.