Why do they recommend removing all 4 wisdom teeth if only one is impacted?

Extractions: The opposing tooth should also be removed or it will continue to exfoliate (grow out of the gum) and you will start to chew down on the gum.

Once is enough: If..You got one wisdom tooth out at a time or even two out...The experience just by chancemaynot have been a good one. So getting all four out at once only gives you the one miserable experience. Also if yours went smoothly why subject yourself to the experience four different times. It doesn't save you any more time if that is important too.

Better without 'em: Often times we recommend to extract all 4 wisdom teeth due to lack of space in the jawbone, misalignments, deep gum pockets around them, this causes inability to maintain good oral hygiene around wisdom teeth, as a result of it- swelling, abscesses , gum problems originate from wisdom teeth and speeded out and affect ajacent teeth, or sometimes it can cause bad breath. Most of do not need wisdom.

Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth come in pairs. If a lower wisdom tooth is extracted it is recomended that the upper opposing tooth get extracted also. Without a companion teeth supra-erupt and can cause perio problems in the future. If the problem is space, than all four must go. It is best if you go through wisdom teeth extraction once and be done. No need to prolong the agony of possible future problems.

Recovery/immune syst: If you develop problems with the other wisdom teeth at a later time, then you will have to undergo all the procedures again. If one tooth is taken out, then the other extractions may take longer to heal, the bone can get denser and thicker (if a long time between extractions,) and one surgery is just more efficient for you and the Dr.

Depends: Depends on the circumstances. For best information, see a board certified oral surgeon who can examine and give best recommendations.