Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They're also considered vestigial organs because they're not necessary for chewing modern diets.
Related terms
Molars: Large back teeth that grind food during chewing.
Dentition: The arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.
Oral Surgery: A branch of dentistry dealing with diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.