Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in. Your jaw is often fully developed by the time they emerge, so there may not be enough room for them to fit properly. This can lead to pain and other complications.
You may not need to remove your wisdom teeth if they’re healthy, fully erupted, and not causing any pain.
But if you experience pain, discomfort, or swelling around your wisdom teeth, it’s important to make an appointment with a dentist.
Older data cited in a 2007 article suggests that around 85% of people will need to have at least one wisdom tooth removed in their lifetime because of complications such as impaction, infection, or misalignment.
Sometimes, even if your wisdom teeth are not causing immediate discomfort, a dentist might suggest removal as a preventive measure.
A dentist might recommend removing your wisdom teeth in the following situations:
Impacted wisdom teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that does not have enough space to grow properly. It may grow sideways, grow toward or away from other teeth, or stay trapped beneath your gumline.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
Infection or gum disease
Wisdom teeth can create pockets where food particles and bacteria can build up. This increases the risk of infections and gum disease, especially if your teeth are difficult to clean.
If infections become frequent or a tooth is severely decayed, a dentist may recommend removal to avoid further complications.
Crowding or misalignment
If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge, they can push against other teeth, causing crowding or shifting. This can affect your bite and make chewing difficult.
If your wisdom teeth are likely to misalign your teeth or interfere with orthodontic work, a dentist may suggest removal.
Cysts or tumors
In rare cases, cysts or tumors may form around an impacted wisdom tooth. These growths can damage surrounding bone and lead to more serious complications.
Symptomatic wisdom teeth can cause ongoing pain, swelling, and tenderness in your gums. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, consistent throbbing.
Over time, this discomfort can interfere with daily activities like eating, speaking, and brushing your teeth.
Gum disease
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, they can be difficult to clean properly.
If your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can create pockets between the teeth and your gums, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up.
This increases the risk of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss if untreated.
Tooth decay
The difficulty of cleaning around wisdom teeth can result in cavities. As wisdom teeth grow, they can press against neighboring teeth, which may cause decay in those teeth as well.
This can lead to more complex dental issues that may require additional treatments, such as fillings or even root canals.
Jaw stiffness
If your wisdom teeth are impacted and growing at an angle, they can place pressure on your jawbone, causing stiffness and limiting jaw movement.
In extreme cases, this can lead to damage to your jawbone or the surrounding structures.
Depending on your specific situation, you may or may not need to get your wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or are causing infection, crowding, or other problems, removal is likely necessary.
But if they’re healthy and are not causing issues, you may not need to have them removed. A dentist can help you decide the best course of action for your oral health.