Extraction of the Wisdom Teeth can protect the overall health of the mouth. It is generally recommended when the following occur:
Impacted wisdom teeth may
continue to grow without adequate room, potentially damaging adjacent
teeth. A fluid filled sac(cyst) or tumor forms which can destroy the
surrounding bone and gums.
Wisdom teeth can also only partially erupt. This leaves
an opening for bacteria, thus causing an infection.
TMJ, pain, swelling, or jaw stiffness can be a
result if wisdom teeth are not removed. For wisdom
teeth that fully erupt, the degree of difficulty for maintaining good
home hygiene is extremely high. Flossing and brushing are more
difficult, and subsequently decay is more like to develop. Also, erupted
wisdom teeth can cause crowding and
rotation of the teeth in front of them.