Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to come in without any issues, others may experience problems that necessitate their removal.

Here are some cases in which someone might need wisdom teeth removed:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When a wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gum due to lack of space or an improper angle of eruption, it can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.

Infections or Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections or gum disease (pericoronitis).

Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone or adjacent teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, the removal of wisdom teeth may be recommended as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to ensure the stability of the results and prevent shifting of the teeth.

Lack of Function: Wisdom teeth are often not necessary for chewing or other functions, and their removal may be advisable to prevent potential problems in the future.