The wisdom teeth take their name from their typically late eruption into our mouths, often not coming in until we are in late adolescence or even our early twenties. These teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very backs of our mouths. Despite sounding important, many people can function perfectly well without their wisdom teeth, which is fortunate because they are the most commonly removed of any of our teeth. If your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing you any issues, you may be a little flummoxed if you are then recommended to have them removed. However, if your dentist makes this recommendation, it is usually for a very good reason.
 

Reasons for wisdom teeth to be removed

There is a wide range of reasons why your dentist may advise you that removing your wisdom teeth is the best course of action. Here are some of the most common causes for wisdom teeth removal.
 

Your jaw isn’t large enough to make room for your wisdom teeth

Often, by the time wisdom teeth are ready to erupt, the other teeth are already taking up most of the available space in the dental arch. If there isn’t enough space for your wisdom teeth to come through, they could get stuck in the jaw and not be able to erupt through the gums. If this happens, it can be extremely painful and cause recurrent infections in your gums.

Your wisdom teeth could become stuck partially erupted

It isn’t uncommon for wisdom teeth to start to come through the jaw but then become stuck at some point in the journey. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can disrupt the alignment of other teeth, causing them to become twisted, crooked or overlapping. They can also cause infections thanks to the open gum flaps which are easy for bacteria to become trapped in. These infections, called periodontal disease, can put your other teeth a risk, as well as your wider health.

You are at greater risk of decay and infection

Teeth that aren’t aligned very well are much harder to clean due to the tiny gaps and areas that form where it is impossible to fit even the smallest toothbrush or interdental device. This means that they are more likely to develop areas of decay and gum disease/periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease has also been linked to general health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and more.

It is easier to remove your wisdom teeth when you are younger

Most dentists agree that if it is looking likely that you may need your wisdom teeth removed at some point, the earlier this is carried out the better. The reason for this is that it is far easier to remove the wisdom teeth when a patient is under the age of around 20 because the roots and bones of the teeth are softer and not fully formed. Patients who are younger also tend to make a quicker recovery from the procedure.

If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth and the impact that they could be having on your other teeth and your oral health, or to find out more about what to expect from extraction, please contact our expert dental team today.