The maxillary third molars, or upper wisdom teeth, are the last teeth in the upper arch (Universal 1 on the right and 16 on the left, FDI 18 and 28). They are the most variable teeth in shape, usually with three or more cusps and roots that are often fused into a single cone. They erupt, if at all, at about 17-21 years and are frequently missing.
| Location | Back of the upper dental arch, behind the second molar on each side |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Posterior superior alveolar nerve (maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve); Greater palatine nerve (palatal gingiva) |
| Blood Supply | Posterior superior alveolar artery (from the maxillary artery) |
| Venous drainage |
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| Lymphatic drainage |
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Adds grinding surface at the back of the mouth when it erupts fully and meets an opposing tooth.
Upper wisdom teeth are often impacted or erupt pointing toward the cheek, where they can rub the cheek and trap food. During removal the bone behind them (the maxillary tuberosity) can fracture, and a tooth can be pushed into the maxillary sinus or the infratemporal fossa. They are usually easier to remove than lower wisdom teeth because the upper bone is thinner.
The tooth cannot erupt fully because of lack of space, which may cause pain, infection or decay of the second molar.
A fracture of the bone behind the last molar during extraction, sometimes opening into the sinus.
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