When most people think about wisdom teeth, they picture pain, swelling, and an urgent trip to the dentist. Around five million Americans have one or more of their wisdom teeth taken out every year, so they’re clearly a concern. But what if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems? Do they still need to come out?
At Kathryn Jodry, DDS, we know this is a common question for patients and their families, and the answer depends on several factors. Understanding them can help you make the best decision for your long-term oral health.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, right at the back of each jaw. They most often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but it can be later.
Some people find that their wisdom teeth erupt normally and never cause any issues. For others, wisdom teeth are a problem. They grow in at an angle, get stuck (impacted), become infected, or create crowding in the mouth.
Because they erupt later than your other teeth, there’s often not enough room for them to fit comfortably. That’s why many dentists recommend monitoring them closely, even if they aren’t painful.
It may seem unnecessary to remove teeth that feel fine, but pain isn’t the only sign of trouble. Wisdom teeth can cause silent problems that build over time. Here are some reasons Dr. Jodry may recommend removal:
Even if your teeth look straight now, wisdom teeth can push against their neighboring teeth and shift them out of alignment.
Pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can weaken or damage the second molar next to it.
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean because they sit so far back in the mouth. Food and bacteria often get trapped, leading to gum infections.
Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth can form entigerous or follicular cysts around them, which can damage the jawbone or surrounding teeth.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create spaces where bacteria thrive, making cavities more likely.
By the time pain develops, these problems may already be advanced. Removing wisdom teeth earlier can prevent these complications.
Not everyone needs to undergo wisdom teeth removal. If they’re fully erupted, healthy, and easy to clean, we’ll likely recommend leaving them in place. Regular checkups and X-rays help ensure no hidden issues are developing.
In some cases, we may suggest a wait-and-watch approach, especially if your wisdom teeth are growing in straight and your bite isn’t affected.
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems now, many dentists recommend removal at a younger age.
Patients in their late teens and early 20s often heal faster and recover more easily. As we age, the roots of wisdom teeth become more developed and embedded in the jawbone, making surgery more complex.
At Kathryn Jodry, DDS, we make wisdom tooth extraction as smooth and comfortable as possible. Depending on the position of your teeth, removal may be simple or surgical.
Simple extraction is for teeth that have fully erupted and are likely to come out easily. If your wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, we may need to use surgical techniques like making a small incision in the gum before completing the extraction.
After the extraction procedure, patients may experience swelling, mild discomfort, or stiffness in the jaw. Following instructions for rest, using ice, and eating the right foods helps you heal quickly. Most patients return to normal activities within a week.
If your wisdom teeth don’t hurt, it’s natural to wonder if removal is necessary. The decision depends on:
Dr. Jodry performs a thorough exam and takes X-rays to determine whether there are any issues with your wisdom teeth. She discusses the pros and cons with you so you feel confident about your decision.
Even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt, they may still cause silent problems that affect your smile down the road. Our goal is to protect your oral health for life, whether that means keeping your wisdom teeth or planning for safe removal.
Call Kathryn Jodry, DDS, or complete the online form to schedule a wisdom tooth assessment.
