Wisdom teeth are valuable when they’re healthy and properly positioned. But often problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:
- Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
- There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
- A cyst forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.
