Why are wisdom teeth removed? | Wisdom tooth extraction

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

The reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth are manifold. Very often there is a serious space problem for these teeth. Since they are located so far back in the jaw, they do not break through in a suitable place and then grow crookedly into the oral cavity.

Sometimes the teeth even lie crosswise in the lower jaw and can thus displace or even damage the other permanent teeth. Mucosal hoods form, i.e. niches in which teeth cannot be brushed properly, provoking inflammation and caries development. If these spots are not recognized in time, the affected permanent tooth may even become.

Furthermore, in this context there is the problem of “difficult tooth breakthrough”. With the so-called “dentitio difficilis” the wisdom tooth cannot reach the surface properly due to lack of space and the gums around the tooth begin to swell and become inflamed. This can lead so far that even pus forms and the cheek becomes thick. Transversely positioned wisdom teeth can damage the roots of the teeth in front of them and resorb them, i.e. break them down. Also in this case the wisdom tooth should be removed before serious damage can occur.

Diagnosis

Not every wisdom tooth must be extracted in principle. However, sometimes there are several reasons for this. The dentist will determine this by means of several examination methods.

In addition to the eye diagnosis, the dentist will use his instruments to determine whether the gums around or above the wisdom tooth are inflamed. By palpation of the area, it can be determined whether there is swelling of the area or even an obstruction of the mouth opening, which occurs when there is severe inflammation. Usually the dentist then takes an X-ray to see exactly where the wisdom teeth are located in the jaw. After evaluation of all examination results, the dentist will be able to tell exactly whether the wisdom teeth need to be extracted or not.