Consequently, the teeth only partially erupt or do not erupt at all. This results in a situation that is favorable to either infection or cystic degeneration of the tissue around the wisdom tooth. An impacted tooth may also decay or cause root resorption of the adjacent tooth. Due to the unique anatomy of lower wisdom teeth, the potential for the spread of infection is great. Some infected third molars can even become life-threatening, requiring aggressive surgery and hospitalization.
Cystic degeneration can lead to serious problems also.
Wisdom teeth are generally best removed during the late teens or early twenties. This allows an increased potential for favorable healing.