The decision to remove wisdom teeth often seems like a routine part of young adulthood. But more people are starting to ask whether it’s always necessary. Those who oppose automatically taking out ...

Why do we have wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. These teeth can be very useful to the mouth when healthy and ...

Wisdom tooth extraction is almost a rite of passage for many Americans. Dr. Bryce Williams talks about why it’s important to have them removed. He also describes the difference between dentists and ...

During tooth extraction recovery, people must maintain the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket. Aftercare may involve rest, cold compresses, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication.

Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, ...

Scientists have uncovered 'medical gold' that can be extracted from people's obsolete wisdom teeth. Many people choose to get their wisdom teeth removed despite no immediate need, like infection, just ...

Despite their important-sounding name, wisdom teeth have no real purpose. These additional pairs of molars usually emerge in a person’s late teens or 20s, but they’re usually unnecessary for healthy ...

Symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection include pain, swelling, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth, fever, and more. Treatments may include antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics. A person’s mouth is ...