A wisdom tooth is one of the four third molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They were once useful for our ancestors who had a diet that required more chewing power, but modern diets have made them less necessary. Many people experience issues with their wisdom teeth, such as crowding or impaction, where the tooth does not fully emerge. This can lead to pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. As a result, dental professionals often recommend the removal of wisdom teeth to prevent complications.