The spelling of the word "Third Molar" is based on its pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The /θ/ sound in "third" is represented by the letter "th" in English, while the /m/ sound in "molar" is represented by the letter "m". The /o/ sound in "molar" is represented by the letter "o", which can sometimes be pronounced as a diphthong /oʊ/. The symbol /ɚ/ represents the r-controlled vowel sound at the end of "molar". Thus, "Third Molar" is spelled as it is pronounced in IPA: /θɝd ˈmoʊlər/.
Third molar, also commonly known as the wisdom tooth, refers to the last adult tooth located at the very back of the jaw on both sides, one per quadrant. These teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, and are the final set of teeth to emerge in the mouth.
In dental anatomy, the third molar belongs to the class of molars, which are the largest and strongest grinding teeth in the human dentition. They are located farthest back in the dental arch and are typically the most challenging to access and maintain due to their position.
Given their late eruption, third molars often face various issues, including insufficient space and abnormal angulation. Consequently, they can frequently become impacted, meaning they fail to fully emerge through the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling, as well as increase the risk of oral infections and dental complications.
Due to these potential problems, it is common for dentists or oral surgeons to recommend the removal of third molars in certain situations. Preventative removal may take place before any issues arise, usually during a patient's late teenage years. Alternatively, extraction may be necessary if complications such as infections, decay, cysts, bone damage, or crowding of adjacent teeth occur.
The term third molar is derived from the Latin words tertius meaning third and molaris meaning molar tooth. The word molar refers to the grinding teeth at the back of the mouth, commonly known as molars. These teeth are called third molars because they are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt in the oral cavity, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. They are also commonly referred to as wisdom teeth.