Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Why should it be done? of Wisdom tooth removal

Dentists make a thorough examination of teeth, gums and jaw before deciding upon wisdom tooth removal (extraction).  This will normally involve taking an x-ray of your mouth to identify the nature of the problem.

Wisdom teeth that have become impacted or that have not broken through the surface of the gum fully (erupted) may sometimes cause pain or dental health problems such as infections. This is usually because they are very difficult to clean with an ordinary toothbrush.  If the teeth are not cleaned properly they may be vulnerable to tooth decay causing cavities, or to gum disease.

Some specific problems that may result from impacted wisdom teeth are:

• Pericoronitis - an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth, caused by a build of plaque (a sticky white substance that contains bacteria). Plaque builds up in the space between the gums and the top of the wisdom tooth.
• Cavities - if plaque is allowed to remain on the surface of the tooth for a long time, it will eventually cause the tooth to decay, leaving a hole (cavity). An impacted tooth is at higher risk of cavities because they are often difficult to clean properly.  This may also affect the second molars, which sit next to the wisdom teeth.
• Peridontal disease is the medical name for gum disease and occurs when plaque is not cleared off the teeth through frequent brushing and flossing.  Gum disease can affect the first and second molars and the bone surrounding the tooth, as well as the impacted wisdom tooth.
• Cysts and tumours – very rarely, if the tissue surrounding an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, there is an increased risk of a cyst or tumour developing.

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