The third molars are also known as wisdom tooth and are the last adult teeth to erupt. Some people are not affected by wisdom tooth eruption while some develop painful conditions that require removing (extracting) of tooth. In this article, we will discuss the reasons to remove wisdom tooth.
Reasons to remove wisdom tooth:
- If the wisdom tooth is erupting in a wrong, tilted or twisted position.
- If wisdom tooth does not have enough space or room to emerge and are trapped below the gum line.
- If the wisdom tooth is pushing the front tooth (second molars) and causing pain.
- The erupted wisdom tooth that has already erupted lacks good oral hygiene as it is difficult to reach the last tooth/teeth resulting in tooth decay.
- The chance of complications necessitating removal of wisdom teeth increases with age.
- In very rare condition, the impacted wisdom tooth develops cysts. Removal of such cysts require complicated and extensive procedures.
- Wisdom tooth sometimes may contribute to crowding of front/nearby teeth.
- Even if the wisdom tooth appears to be problem free, it remains a breeding ground for the oral infection and inflammation due to lack of proper cleaning. According to research, such infection can contribute to the development of various disease including cardiovascular and stroke.
It is clear that wisdom tooth has erupted even without causing pain but can later cause a problem due to improper oral hygiene. Wisdom tooth removal at an early age is, therefore, associated with fast and easy recovery.