I still have my wisdom teeth as an adult. Will they cause problems if I don’t take them out?

BY: Bronwyn McNulty

Wisdom teeth, or rear molars, erupt in the late teens or early 20s and are notorious for causing overcrowding or impacting into the gum or other teeth. While many people never experience problems with their wisdom teeth, it’s difficult to predict whether you will or not.

Dr. Alex Abrahams, a dentist in Newcastle and a specialist in wisdom teeth, says approximately 50 percent of adults who keep these teeth experience a problem that requires removal, including:

• Pericoronitis, or infection of the gum
• Decay of the wisdom tooth, especially if it’s partially erupted
• Decay on the back of the molars that sit in front of the wisdom teeth

According to Abrahams, wisdom teeth left in with a “wait and see” approach are often harder to remove -- and can result in slower and more painful healing. He advises that wisdom teeth owners should see their dentist for an individual assessment, no matter what their age.