For most people wisdom teeth (3rd molars) are a source of many problems. They are difficult to keep clean and therefore become prone to decay and gum disease. Wisdom teeth that do not grow completely into position but rather are only partly exposed through the gum tissue can become infected. That is called pericoronitis. Third molars growing at an angle can get caught behind their neighbors, the second molars, causing damage to them. Finally, some research shows 3rd molars can cause crowding of teeth which can erase years of othodontic care and have a less than great smile.
