Is it wise to remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are no different than other teeth except that they are the last to erupt, or grow, into the mouth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship and have healthy gum tissue around them. Often, however, problems develop when the teeth grow in, requiring their removal:

• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. When this happens, food gets caught in the gums and may cause an infection, swelling, growth of a tumor or cyst and pain.
  
  
• There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
  
  
• A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

If wisdom teeth have erupted, the key to preserving them is maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day and going to see a dentist regularly.

What is an impaction?

When wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly, they are referred to as impacted. Teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted. It may be that it is still too early in someone's dental development, and if time passes they may grow in properly. A dentist must examine a patient’s mouth and x-rays to determine whether the teeth are impacted or will grow in properly. Impacted teeth can result in infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease or formation of a cyst or tumor from the follicle, which is the tissue which formed the crown of the tooth. Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential problems.

Information courtesy of the Delta Dental Plans Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.