Wisdom teeth

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in. They typically appear when you are between the ages of 17 and 21. They are third molars and are located at the very back of your dental arch. They are often removed because they can cause several dental problems.

Wisdom teeth can be unpredictable, primarily due to insufficient space in your jaw. Some of the common problems with these teeth are:

• Hard to reach with your toothbrush and dental floss
• Grow in the wrong direction
• Can remain partially inside your jaw
• Can fail to grow in and remain completely covered by your gums

As a result, wisdom teeth often cause complications such as cavities, pain and gum problems. That’s why it’s important to monitor them and address any issues in their development or growth direction. If a problem is detected, your dentist will recommend having them removed. This can be a complex procedure because they are hard to reach and often impacted.