If you're experiencing discomfort in the back of your mouth or your dentist has mentioned potential issues, you might be facing the need for wisdom tooth extraction. Also known as wisdom tooth removal, this common dental procedure is often necessary to prevent crowding, infections, or future oral health problems. What Is a Wisdom Tooth? A wisdom tooth is one of the four third molars located at the very back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, a stage often referred to as the “age of wisdom,” which is how they got their name.