A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. When wisdom teeth come in, a number of problems can occur:
-Your jaw may not be large enough for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
-Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. These are signs of infection.
-More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or a cyst.
-One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.