Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

During the teen years, it can seem like virtually everyone has their wisdom teeth removed. Many funny videos feature teens and young people after their surgery, often still in the fog of anesthesia. While wisdom teeth removal is a common type of oral surgery, it isn’t always necessary. 

At Chroma Dental, in the Midtown East community in New York City, New York, Brianna Davydov, DDS, Yev Davydov, DDS, Gregory Shank, DDS, and the rest of the team deliver highly personalized care. These specialists can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is correct for you or your loved ones. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth is the name used to refer to your third set of molars, the ones located in the very back portion of your jaw. These are the last teeth to emerge, often in your late teens or early twenties. They get called wisdom teeth because they don’t arrive until you’ve reached an age when you’ve begun to attain wisdom.

Researchers believe this third set of molars once helped distant ancestors break down tough foods like nuts and fibrous plants. Those teeth were no longer necessary as early humans began to use heat and tools to make foods easy to eat. Many people today don’t have adequate jaw space for a third set of molars, and some don’t even develop these teeth.

When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

If your wisdom teeth aren’t coming in fully, why should they be removed? Great question - and the truth is that not all wisdom teeth need removal. However, in many cases, removal is the best approach. 

One of the most common problems is encroachment on adjacent teeth. Many people develop wisdom teeth that do not emerge through the gums in line with other teeth. They might be tilted or even positioned sideways, which can crowd your other molars, creating discomfort and increasing the risk of damage to your teeth. 

If your wisdom teeth only partly emerge through your gums, there’s a risk that bacteria can enter and cause an infection. Keeping partially emerged teeth clean is challenging, and cavities can develop that cannot be repaired with a simple filling. 

Even wisdom teeth that remain within your gum tissue can cause issues. These molars, known as impacted teeth, can develop a cyst or infection that damages or weakens the bone tissue supporting the rest of your teeth.

When to consider wisdom teeth removal

If your wisdom teeth are not creating problems, you might want to take a “wait and see” approach. After all, why go through oral surgery when there is no pain or immediate risk of harm?

It’s important to understand that your bone tissue becomes more dense as you age. Wisdom teeth removal is easier and safer during youth when your jaw bone is less dense. Recovery is also calmer than it would be if you waited until middle age or beyond to have one or more wisdom teeth removed. 

Potential complications of wisdom teeth removal later in life include fractured teeth, heavy bleeding, loss of jaw movement, and severe numbness. That’s why many dentists advise wisdom teeth removal if there are any signs of concern with the position of your wisdom teeth. 

Ask your dentist about your options

If you’re concerned about whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed or want more information about your teen’s dental needs, the best way to proceed is by booking a visit at Chroma Dental. Your dentist uses advanced imaging to evaluate your jaw and teeth alignment and explains all available options. 

When you’re ready, you can book a visit online or by phone in a matter of moments. Rest assured that the specialists at Chroma Dental are here to provide all the details you need to make an informed decision about your care.