The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to erupt, usually between about 17 and 25 years of age. There is one at the back of each quarter of the mouth, though one or more are often absent. Their size, root shape and position vary more than any other tooth.
| Location | Most posterior position in each dental arch, behind the second molars |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Posterior superior alveolar nerve (upper); Inferior alveolar nerve (lower) |
| Blood Supply | Posterior superior alveolar artery (upper); Inferior alveolar artery (lower) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Add grinding surface when space allows; they often have little functional role in modern jaws.
Lack of space often leaves third molars impacted, most commonly in the mandible. Removal of lower third molars risks injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (numb lip and chin) and the lingual nerve (numb tongue and altered taste), so their relationship to the canal is assessed on imaging first. Recurrent infection of the gum flap over a partly erupted tooth (pericoronitis) is the most common reason for removal.
Wisdom tooth that cannot erupt fully because of lack of space or abnormal angulation, which may cause pain, infection or damage to the second molar.
Infection of the gum flap over a partly erupted wisdom tooth, causing pain, swelling, bad taste and limited mouth opening.
Damage during lower wisdom tooth removal causing numbness or altered sensation of the lower lip and chin, usually temporary.
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