Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the very back of your mouth. When they don’t have room to grow properly, they can cause problems. Sometimes wisdom teeth only partially emerge through the gums. Other times, they remain completely hidden. Wisdom teeth that aren’t able to emerge normally become impacted, or trapped, within your jaw. Dentists may advice you to undergo wisdom teeth removal. If you’re still confused whether to remove your wisdom teeth or not, then you ought to read this.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Limited Space

Because there is limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt and because the surrounding gums are difficult to keep clean, infection and inflammation may be caused.

• Damage to other Teeth

That extra set of molars can push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain and bite problems.

• Inflamed Gums

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the tissue around the area to swell and make it hard to clean.

• Cavities

Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.

• Alignment

Impacted wisdom teeth can undo the effects of braces, bridges, crowns, partial dentures, or any type of dental work.

• Cysts/Tumours

Impacted wisdom teeth may develop associated cysts or tumours.  Removal of such lesions may require extensive procedures to repair and restore jaw function and appearance.

• Jaw Damage

If the cysts that are formed around the teeth aren’t treated properly, they can hollow out your jaw and damage nerves.

If you face any of these symptoms, undergoing wisdom teeth removal would be a wise decision. Don’t ignore your impacted wisdom teeth as they may cause serious health issues. Your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to make a decision. Your age plays a role, too.