Here is a list of the most common reasons dentists give when explaining to their patients why their wisdom teeth should be removed. (Both impacted and non-impacted teeth.)

• Valid reasons to extract wisdom teeth.
  • Pericoronitis / Infection associated with a wisdom tooth.
  • Complications associated with tooth decay.
  • Periodontal disease (gum disease).
  • Pathology (cysts, tumors) associated with a wisdom tooth.
  • Risk of damage to adjacent teeth / Root resorption.
  • Chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Problems associated with poor tooth alignment.
• Questionable (debated) reasons given for third molar extraction.
  • The "wisdom teeth cause tooth crowding" theory.
  • The "all impacted wisdom teeth must be extracted" train of thought.