Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth out. However, Studies have shown that 95% of people do not have space for their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause severe issues in the gums, or 'eat' (resorb) the roots of perfectly fine permanent teeth. It’s common for people to have impacted wisdom teeth. These teeth are buried, either partially or completely, in the soft tissue or jaw bone, and are more susceptible to disease and other problems.

To prevent issues, the best time to remove these for most people we've found is in their late teens to early twenties. We've seen kids as young as 12 that needed them removed due to pain! Although that is rare, we still need to keep an eye at this age to prevent future problems.

Even wisdom teeth that come in correctly can develop problems over time because they are so far back in the mouth and difficult to clean. Wisdom teeth are a big cause of periodontal disease which we want to avoid. So if you keep your wisdom teeth, be sure to brush and floss them well, and see your dentist regularly. They also cause shifting of teeth while trying to erupt, pushing on your other molars, which can affect any orthodontic treatment needed in the future. Asking your dentist about why they suggest removing your wisdom teeth can help you see and understand their concerns. Even if you aren't in pain, most removals are preventative rather than responsive.