My dentist suggested I have my wisdom teeth removed, but they're not causing problems. Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?Answer From Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. Show
Wisdom teeth — the third molars in the very back of your mouth — may not need to be removed if they are:
Many times, however, wisdom teeth don't have room to grow properly and can cause problems. Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. Problems can include wisdom teeth that:
Some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth if they don't fully emerge. Many dentists believe it's better to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age, before the roots and bone are fully formed, and when recovery is generally faster after surgery. This is why some young adults have their wisdom teeth pulled before the teeth cause problems. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience changes in the area of those teeth, such as:
The decision to remove wisdom teeth isn't always clear. Talk to your dentist or an oral surgeon about the position and health of your wisdom teeth and what's best for your situation. With Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Dec. 03, 2016
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.  Wisdom teeth, often referred to as the third molars, have been traditionally removed to reduce the risk of infection and teeth crowding. Yet some modern research suggests these extraction methods present more of a risk to patients than a benefit. At GEMS Dental, we can help you determine if your wisdom teeth need removing or if it’s safe to leave them in place. Some say leave healthy teeth aloneIn general, the idea of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” stands true, even when you’re discussing the removal of wisdom teeth. We often tell patients that if their wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any issues, they don’t necessarily need to be extracted. That means your third molars can stay if they are:
The biggest obstacle to keeping your teeth is the time it takes for your wisdom teeth to fully erupt. Although you may start noticing these teeth breaking through your gums around age 17 or 18, they don’t fully emerge until 25. Some say better safe than sorryHistorically, the dental community has opted to remove wisdom teeth the majority of the time. Their philosophy of better safe than sorry worked. It’s estimated that when left in place, wisdom teeth cause future problems in the mouth two-thirds of the time. They’re hard to keep clean, prone to cavities, and often contribute to gum disease. Don’t let them crowd out your teethThe most common issue with letting wisdom teeth fully develop is that there’s often no room for the teeth to fully erupt. When they do, the third molars crowd your other teeth, causing them to shift and become crooked. Crowded teeth not only shift your teeth alignment, but they can also lead to issues with gum disease and tooth decay. When there’s not enough room for your wisdom teeth to fully come in, the teeth can erupt at the wrong angle, creating an opening that allows germs and bacteria to enter into your gums. What’s more, when your wisdom teeth become impacted, you may have an increased risk of infection and crowd out your other teeth from beneath the gums. Opt for wisdom teeth extraction if...At GEMS Dental, we recommend extraction when your wisdom teeth:
Consult with your dentistTo really know if you need your wisdom teeth removed, schedule a consultation with your dentist or dental surgeon. They can take X-rays, examine your mouth, and determine the best course of treatment for your wisdom teeth, discussing the pros and cons of removal. Like any tooth extraction, there are risks involved when you have your wisdom teeth removed. While most patients fare well, there are cases of:
If you have your wisdom teeth removed and you experience severe swelling or bleeding or see signs of infection, call your doctor right away. For more information about wisdom teeth or to schedule your consultation, contact us at GEMS Dental in Houston, Texas. You Might Also Enjoy...
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What happens if you leave wisdom teeth in too long?Gum Damage and Inflammation
If left untreated for too long, patients have experienced facial swelling, muscle spasms in the jaw, and swollen lymph nodes. Even after treatment by a dentist, it can come back if the wisdom tooth is not removed.
Can keeping your wisdom teeth cause problems?Keeping your wisdom teeth increases the risks for developing conditions like dental caries, oral infections, and periodontal disease. Additionally, the arrival of wisdom teeth contributes to orthodontic and occlusal problems.
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What happens if I keep my wisdom teeth?
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