Final answer:
The claim that wisdom teeth must always be removed is false. Wisdom teeth or third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, and only need removal if problematic. Dental professionals assess each case individually.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that wisdom teeth must always be removed is false. Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the largest molars in the mouth, designed to crush food for swallowing. They usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While it is common for wisdom teeth to become impacted and require removal due to a lack of space or improper eruption, not all wisdom teeth must be removed. If they grow in correctly and maintain proper oral hygiene, they do not necessarily need extraction. Whether wisdom teeth should be removed or not is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a dental professional.
In the human lifespan, deciduous teeth emerge starting at about 6 months of age, permanent teeth replace them between approximately age 6 and 12, and finally, wisdom teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, making them the last set of teeth to appear.