The third molar at the very back of each side of the jaw, usually the last permanent tooth to erupt in early adulthood.
Structure
Each person typically has four wisdom teeth, one at the back of each quadrant. They tend to be smaller and more variable in shape than the other molars, and some people are born without one or more.
Function
When the jaw is large enough to accommodate them, wisdom teeth participate in chewing fibrous food. In many modern populations the jaw is too small, leading to crowding or impaction.
Clinical note
Impacted wisdom teeth that press against neighbors or fail to break through the gum often require surgical removal.
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Wisdom Tooth starts with W and ends with H. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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