wisdom teeth

Cultural  

1. Four molars, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw, that are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth.

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These teeth are associated with wisdom because they appear during the late teens or early twenties, when a person is physically mature. Often, the wisdom teeth may not rise above the gum line, but remain impacted in the jaw, causing inflammation. If this impaction occurs, or if they pose a threat to other teeth, the wisdom teeth may need to be removed.

Example Sentences

I got all four of my wisdom teeth out and was told the price would be around $700, but it actually ended up costing a little more than $1,000.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

A dentist informed her she required surgery to remove both lower wisdom teeth next week, for which she'll need to spend at least two weeks recovering.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

In a social media post, the 29-year-old rising star said she requires urgent dental surgery to remove two wisdom teeth.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

This leaves wisdom teeth as unwanted tenants in our mouths, taking up precious space and causing pain because they have not taken the hint they are no longer welcome.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

I have such a small mouth, my wisdom teeth are coming in all sigoggling.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver