Why should wisdom teeth be extracted

Post by: Gerarda on 19 Jan 2023

Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended when the teeth cause problems as they try to emerge from the gums.

Some common reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be extracted include:

1. Impaction: Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are blocked from breaking through the gums. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to damage of the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
2. Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth and disrupt the alignment of the bite, causing crowding and misalignment of the other teeth.
3. Risk of Decay: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to clean properly. As a result, they are at increased risk of decay and gum disease.
4. Infection: Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, which makes them harder to clean and more susceptible to infection.

It’s important to note that if wisdom teeth do not cause any problems and are able to fully emerge and function properly, they can be left in place. However, it’s best to have a consultation with your dentist to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

In addition, it’s recommended to have regular dental check-ups / dental examinations to monitor the position and overall health of your wisdom teeth, even if they are not causing problems at the moment.