A tooth becomes impacted due to lack of space in the dental cavity and its eruption is therefore prevented by gum, bone, another tooth or all three. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars are the last teeth to erupt. This occurs usually between the ages of 17 and 25. The decision whether to remove these type of teeth or not remains subjective and depends on the position of the same. It is generally suggested that the teeth that remains completely buried or un-erupted in a normal position are unlikely to cause any harm. However, if these impacted teeth are found to be in an abnormal position, through an X-ray, their potential for harm should be assessed.

 

Some of the situations in which the teeth need to be removed are:

 

Decay: Saliva, bacteria and food particles collect around an impacted wisdom tooth, causing it, or the next tooth to decay.