• Difficulty in accessibility for cleaning
• A high susceptibility to decay
• Chronic or recurring gum infections
• Biting against the gum tissue of partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Damage to the second molars by wisdom teeth
• Interference with normal bite or jaw movements

Q. Will wisdom teeth cause other teeth to become crowded after braces are removed?
A. While there is some disagreement in this regard within the dental profession, according to the American Dental Association impacted teeth can crowd adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing an incorrect bite or crooked teeth. By far, the greatest cause of relapse after teeth are straight is failure to wear retainers as instructed.

Q. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
A. No. We believe that wisdom teeth that are not causing problems and are not likely to be a future problem can and should be retained. Nevertheless, most people are well-served by having wisdom teeth removed.

Q. What should be done in my case?
A. Be sure to have regular check-ups by your family dentist. He or she will evaluate the wisdom teeth and recommend removal if necessary. If the wisdom teeth should be removed, your family dentist may, in some cases, recommend an oral surgeon.