An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a number of problems that mean the tooth is best removed. Most commonly these are:
- Repeated attacks of infection in the gums surrounding the tooth. This leads to pain and swelling
- Food packing which causes decay in either the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front.
- Cysts can form around the wisdom tooth if it does not come into the mouth properly. A cyst occurs when fluid fills the sack that normally surrounds a developing wisdom tooth.
- Removal to facilitate other forms of maxillofacial surgery.
