Wisdom Teeth Extraction Criteria: When Removal Is Recommended

Not all wisdom teeth need removal. Extraction is indicated when:

Clear Indications

1. Impaction with symptoms or pathology (pain, infection, cyst).
2. Caries/Periodontal Disease on the wisdom tooth or adjacent second molar.
3. Recurrent Pericoronitis (≥2 episodes/year).
4. Damage to Adjacent Tooth: Root resorption, deep periodontal pocket.
5. Orthodontic/Surgical Requirement: Interferes with braces, implants, or jaw surgery.
6. Pathology on Imaging: Cyst, tumor, unexplained radiolucency.

Prophylactic Removal Considerations

• Age <25: Lower complication rates, faster healing.
• High-risk anatomy (e.g., horizontal impaction near nerve).
• Patient preference after informed consent.

Monitoring Option

Asymptomatic, fully erupted, functional, and maintainable teeth may be retained with annual clinical/radiographic exams.

Decision requires panoramic or CBCT imaging and surgeon evaluation.