Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws. They usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, they don’t erupt the same way in everyone. In some individuals, they emerge properly and cause no issues, while in others, they may not fit well within the jaw structure, leading to various problems. In such cases, extraction may become necessary.
There are several signs indicating that a wisdom tooth may need to be removed. These include recurring gum infections, severe pain, cavities in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent second molar, or pathological findings such as cysts or tumors. Additionally, if the tooth emerges in an incorrect position and puts pressure on neighboring teeth, disrupts orthodontic treatment plans, or negatively affects chewing function, extraction may be required.
On the other hand, wisdom teeth that are fully impacted and show no symptoms do not always need to be removed routinely. Such teeth can be monitored with regular clinical and radiographic check-ups. The key factor in deciding whether to remove a wisdom tooth is whether it is causing any problems for the individual.
When Should an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth often become impacted due to a lack of space in the jaw. Impacted teeth remain under the gum or entirely within the bone and fail to erupt into their normal position. While some impacted teeth may remain asymptomatic, others can lead to serious health problems. The main situations where an impacted wisdom tooth should be extracted include:
· Recurrent gum infections (pericoronitis)
· Cavities or bone loss in the adjacent second molar
· Root resorption in neighboring teeth
· Development of cysts or, rarely, tumors
· Interference with orthodontic or prosthetic treatment plans
Pericoronitis is one of the most common issues associated with impacted wisdom teeth. When the tooth is partially covered by gum tissue, it creates a pocket that can trap food debris and bacteria. This leads to pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, and sometimes fever. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the neck area. In cases of recurrent infection, permanent relief is often achieved by removing the tooth.
Before surgical removal, detailed imaging is required. Lower wisdom teeth may be close to the mandibular nerve, while upper wisdom teeth may be near the maxillary sinus. Therefore, the tooth’s angle, root structure, and relationship with surrounding tissues must be carefully evaluated to ensure a safe and well-planned procedure.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Jaw Structure?
A common belief is that wisdom teeth cause crowding of the front teeth. However, scientific research shows that this is not necessarily the case. Crowding of the front teeth is generally the result of a combination of factors, including growth and development, genetic predisposition, jaw size, or failure to use retainers after orthodontic treatment.
Still, wisdom teeth are not entirely harmless. Especially when they are impacted or partially erupted, they can cause decay and gum problems on the back surface of the adjacent second molars. If unnoticed, this can lead to severe issues, including the loss of the second molar. For this reason, the effects of wisdom teeth on the jaw should be monitored through regular dental check-ups, and early intervention should be considered if any suspicious findings are detected.
Do Wisdom Teeth Negatively Affect Orthodontic Treatment?
One of the most frequently asked questions by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment is whether wisdom teeth can cause their teeth to shift again. After wearing braces for a long time and achieving properly aligned teeth, patients often worry that emerging wisdom teeth might disrupt this alignment.
Scientific evidence shows that wisdom teeth alone do not cause crowding. Relapse after treatment is mostly due to not wearing retainers, natural changes in jaw structure, or genetic factors. In other words, the presence of wisdom teeth does not directly affect orthodontic outcomes.
However, it’s important to note that if a wisdom tooth is impacted and exerts pressure on neighboring teeth, it can cause periodontal problems. In such cases, the orthodontist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction.
What Are the Risks of Not Removing a Wisdom Tooth?
One of the most common problems caused by untreated wisdom teeth is pericoronitis. This infection may lead to pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and restricted mouth opening. If not treated, the infection can spread to the jaw and neck area, posing serious health risks.
Another significant risk is damage to the adjacent second molar. Bacterial plaque around partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause decay and bone loss in the second molar. In addition, there is a possibility of cyst formation around impacted teeth. These cysts can weaken tooth roots and cause damage to the jawbone.
Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor wisdom teeth regularly. Small, unnoticed problems can gradually become more complex and make treatment more difficult. Neglected wisdom teeth can negatively impact both oral health and daily comfort. Regular dental check-ups help detect these risks early, making them easier and quicker to treat.
This page is for informational purposes only.
For diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your dentist.