
Wisdom teeth—those infamous late bloomers that seem to haunt nearly everyone’s teenage years or early twenties. These molars, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt and often come with complications such as pain, overcrowding, or infection. But do they always need to be removed? And if so, when is the right time to do it?
The Signs It Might Be Time to Remove Them
Though not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal surgery, there are certain red flags that signal it may be necessary. Here are the key signs to look out for:
1. Pain or Discomfort
If you’re experiencing persistent pain toward the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are growing in, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. The pain may indicate overcrowding, infection, or that your teeth are impacted below the surface of the gums.
2. Swelling or Jaw Stiffness
Swollen gums or stiffness in the jaw can result from wisdom teeth pushing against neighboring teeth or the jawbone. Swelling may make it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew comfortably.
3. Recurrent Infection or Gum Issues
Wisdom teeth often create pockets in the gums that are hard to clean, leaving room for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to pericoronitis, a painful gum infection common around partially erupted wisdom teeth.
4. Damage to Nearby Teeth
The pressure from incoming wisdom teeth can cause damage to adjacent teeth, including causing cavities or alignment issues that weren’t there before.
5. Crowding or Shifting Teeth
If there’s not enough room in your mouth, wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work.
6. Cysts
An impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes form a cyst (a fluid-filled sac), which can harm the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and nerves.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Them?
Not removing problematic wisdom teeth might result in chronic pain, misaligned teeth, or infected gums. It could also lead to more serious dental issues such as cysts, tumors, or damage to the surrounding bone and teeth.
However, if your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and don’t pose any risks, your dentist might deem removal unnecessary. Regular cleanings and checkups are all that’s needed to maintain healthy third molars.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
If you and your dentist decide extraction is the right choice, here’s what you can expect during the process:
- Pre-Removal Consultation
Your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the procedure.
- The Day of the Procedure
Most wisdom teeth removals are performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the complexity. The dentist will extract the teeth—if they’re impacted, the gum tissue and bone may need to be removed first.
- Recovery Period
Recovery usually lasts about a week. You may experience swelling, mild pain, or bleeding during the first few days. Ice packs and prescribed medications help manage discomfort. Soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes are recommended for a smoother healing process.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth removal is often a straightforward and preventive measure to maintain your oral health. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or any other symptoms outlined above, it’s important to consult with your dentist sooner rather than later.