Do I Really Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Unsure about wisdom teeth removal? It’s a common question. These third molars can cause complications if they don’t fit well in your mouth. Find out when extraction is recommended, and when you can skip it.

The appearance of wisdom teeth, usually in your late teens or early 20s, is a big milestone in life. Many people have wisdom teeth extractions when the teeth first erupt — but is it really necessary?

At Pioneer Dental Group in Norwalk, California, Dr. Behzad Binafard and knowledgeable team consider this question on a case-by-case basis.

Below, we explore the factors that play into that decision to help you decide whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you.

Understanding wisdom teeth and how they grow

They say that with age comes wisdom, so it makes sense that wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge in your mouth. Usually appearing in your late teens or early 20s, these teeth are in the very back of your mouth.

There are four wisdom teeth: One on each side of your upper and lower arches of teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in without any problems. If they do so, they can work just like your other molars.

But, your wisdom teeth can only erupt properly if you have room for them in the back of your mouth — and unfortunately, many people do not.

When you have no room or too little room, your wisdom teeth can grow in at an angle, pushing on the roots of your other molars. Or, they can become trapped under the gums (impacted). So, when wisdom teeth don’t have the room to grow in, they can cause a number of oral health issues.

Signs you could need wisdom teeth removal

The American Dental Association and National Institutes of Health generally recommend wisdom teeth removal in cases where the wisdom teeth are causing symptoms or unhealthy changes in the mouth.

Tooth pain
Infections
Growths around the tooth (cysts or tumors)
Damage to nearby teeth
Gum disease

Being symptom-free doesn’t necessarily mean you’re problem-free. Schedule a dental evaluation as soon as your wisdom teeth erupt. We also monitor their growth at all regular dental visits.

When your wisdom teeth can stay in place

If your wisdom teeth fully erupt, are functional, don’t cause any symptoms, and don’t threaten your oral health in any way, you might not need wisdom teeth extraction.

Unfortunately, this is quite rare. About 90% of people have one or more impacted wisdom teeth.

Schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation

Our team examines your wisdom teeth and evaluates your oral health as a whole to determine whether wisdom teeth removal is the best option for you.

If you need wisdom teeth extraction, not to worry: Dr. Binafard is a skilled oral surgeon who focuses on comfortable, convenient procedures in our relaxing boutique practice atmosphere.

Schedule your evaluation by calling our office at 562-684-6179 or request your consultation online today.