What determines if you need to remove your wisdom teeth?

Position and room: If you have pain and/or swelling in the area of your wisdom teeth they should be removed. If on a radiograph (x-ray) they are observed to be positioned backwards, upsidedown or sideways they should probably be removed before they try to come in so thay don't cause infection or damage to your other teeth. Your dentist should be able offer you guidance.

Several items: Wisdom teeth (third molars) are usually impacted (trapped in the bone) in modern day man. Several things can happen to them: they may become infected, a type of cyst and a type of benign tumor can form around them. Or, they may never experience any of the above. Usually a recommendation to remove impacted teeth is made while the patient is young...To remove the possibility of future pathology.

Exam and X-rays: A clinical examination with appropriate x-rays where all of the wisdom teeth can be seen are required to determine if you should or should not have your wisdom teeth removed.