Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. For many, the thought of these teeth coming in, or being removed, can feel a little scary.
One of the most common questions we hear at Valley Dental Health is: “If my wisdom teeth aren’t hurting me, do I really need to get them removed?” It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Let’s break down when removal is a good idea and why dentists often recommend it before symptoms start.
Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?
Have you ever wondered how these late-blooming teeth got their name? It’s not because they make you smarter.
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. It’s a time in life often called the “age of wisdom.” Historically, this was when people were thought to be gaining life experience and maturity as they entered adulthood. So, the name is more about when they show up than what they do.
Their official, scientific name is “third molars.” You already have two other sets of molars. Your first molars came in around age 6, and your second molars arrived when you were about 12 years old. Wisdom teeth are simply your third and final set.
You might remember a little bit of discomfort when your second molars were coming in. The process for wisdom teeth is similar, but there’s a difference. By the time they arrive, there’s often very little space left in your jaw. This lack of room is what causes most of the problems associated with wisdom teeth, from crowding to pain.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed? A Simple Guide
You might know someone who has had their wisdom teeth taken out, even if they weren’t in any pain. This often leaves people wondering, “Why remove them if they aren’t causing problems?” Dentists recommend removal based on issues they can spot during a check-up. Let’s break down the main reasons.
1. They Become Impacted (Stuck)
The most common reason for removal is that the wisdom teeth become impacted. This doesn’t always mean they’re infected, but that they’re “stuck” and can’t grow into the right position.
Often, there’s just not enough room in the jaw for these last four teeth to come in straight. They might get blocked by your other molars and end up growing sideways, at an angle, or even stay completely trapped within the jawbone.
You might not feel any pain from an impacted tooth, but your dentist can see it on an X-ray. Even without pain, impacted teeth can cause trouble by pressing against the roots of your other teeth and damage them.
2. There’s a High Risk of Future Problems
Sometimes, your dentist can see a problem coming before it actually happens. Think of it like getting a small crack in your car’s windshield fixed early to prevent it from spreading across the whole glass.
- Easier Recovery for Younger Patients: Wisdom tooth extraction is generally quicker and heals faster for people in their late teens or early twenties. The tooth roots aren’t fully formed yet, and the bone is softer. Waiting until you’re older can make the surgery and recovery more complicated.
- Preventing Crowding: Even if a wisdom tooth manages to come in partly, it can push your other teeth together. This can undo years of orthodontic work and cause your front teeth to become crooked.
3. Pericoronitis (A Gum Infection)
This is a big word for a painful infection that can happen when a wisdom tooth is only partly through the gum.
It starts when the tooth only partially erupts. A small flap of gum tissue can stay over the top of it. This flap is a perfect trap for food particles and bacteria.
This leads to swelling, pain, a bad taste in your mouth, and even trouble opening your jaw. It’s very difficult to clean properly, so the infection can keep coming back.
4. Damage to Neighboring Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth isn’t just lazy, it can be a bad neighbor. When it’s pressed up against the tooth next to it, it can create a hard-to-clean area. This makes the healthy second molar much more likely to get a cavity or suffer from bone loss around its roots.
5. Cysts and Tumors
In rare cases, a sac of fluid called a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. If left alone, this cyst can grow and cause significant damage to your jawbone, the roots of nearby teeth, and even nerves. While these cysts are usually not cancerous, they still need surgical removal. Surgery is a much bigger procedure than removing the wisdom tooth would have been.
6. They Are Just Too Difficult to Clean
Even if a wisdom tooth comes in straight, it’s located so far back in your mouth that it’s extremely hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss. Because they’re so difficult to clean properly, they’re at a very high risk for developing cavities and gum disease. Fixing a cavity on a wisdom tooth is often very challenging, so removal is sometimes the healthier long-term option.
Minimally Invasive Wisdom Teeth Treatment
The main goal of removing wisdom teeth is prevention. It’s about avoiding painful infections, protecting your other healthy teeth, and preventing more serious problems. Your dentist will use X-rays to monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend removal based on what’s best for your long-term oral health.
Not everyone with wisdom teeth will need them removed. Sometimes they erupt with no problems, or they can be managed without surgery. It’s important to have regular dental check-ups, especially as a teen and young adult. Patients in the Timonium area who want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal can schedule an appointment online or call Valley Dental Health at 443-733-6613.