Not everyone has wisdom teeth! However, if your jaw has the space available for your wisdom teeth to erupt fully, they can stay and act like other molars for chewing.
Often times, wisdom teeth develop decay, cause cavities around other teeth, and cause chronic or acute infections. This is due to the fact that:
- Wisdom teeth are sometimes crooked
- Wisdom teeth become trapped in the jawbone and don’t break through the gum tissue
- Have a flap of gum tissue on top where plaque and food can enter
In many cases, I find that it is a good idea that trapped wisdom teeth be extracted. Depending on the location of the tooth, taking out the wisdom teeth can be done in the office with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation.
Dental Surgery and Sedation 