Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of your mouth. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is “mesial”, meaning that the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.
Reasons for Extracting Teeth
Having a tooth extraction (Pulling a Tooth) in adulthood is sometimes necessary. Although permanent/adult teeth can last a lifetime, teeth that have become damaged or decayed may need to be removed or extracted. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired.
A crowded mouth
Sometimes dentists extract teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. The goal of orthodontics is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is no room in the mouth for it, your dentist may recommend extraction.
Infection
If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp — the centre of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection.
Risk of infection
If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant) even the risk of possible infection in a particular tooth may be reason to remove the tooth.
Gum disease
If periodontal disease — an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth — have caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to extract the tooth or teeth.
