Wisdom teeth often have to be extracted to ensure the rest of your teeth stay healthy. Most wisdom teeth erupt misaligned, which can cause tooth crowding and disruption in your teeth and gums. This is not only painful but can make oral hygiene more difficult. Another common reason for wisdom teeth extraction is a partial eruption. This encourages bacteria to accumulate in the pockets of your gums, putting you at risk for gum disease, infection, and tooth decay. That being said, sometimes wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth erupt properly aligned and don’t impact your other teeth, your doctor may not recommend extraction. But generally, wisdom teeth need to be removed to preserve a healthy smile.