Wisdom teeth are the last four molars to erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. They are often impacted, meaning they are blocked from coming in properly by other teeth or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. As a result, they are often recommended for removal.
While wisdom teeth are typically removed when they are impacted, there are some cases in which they may be removed even if they are not causing any problems. This is usually done when there is a risk that the wisdom teeth will become impacted in the future. It can also be done for cosmetic reasons, such as to improve the appearance of the smile.