Wisdom teeth have a bit of a reputation. Most people know someone who’s had theirs removed—and many have gone through the experience themselves. But if these molars are natural parts of our anatomy, you may be wondering: Why do we often remove them? Are they really necessary to take out, or is it just a routine dental rite of passage?
At Neville Dental Studio, we believe in helping patients understand the why behind every treatment. So today, let’s talk about wisdom teeth: what they are, why they cause problems, and when removal is the smartest choice for your smile and oral health.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of your mouth. Most people develop four—two on top and two on the bottom—but some may have fewer, more, or none at all. They typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, a time often referred to as the “age of wisdom” (hence the name).
While they may have served a useful purpose for our ancestors—who had larger jaws and diets that required more grinding—today, these teeth tend to cause more harm than good.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many people do—and here’s why:
1. There’s Usually Not Enough Room
One of the most common reasons we remove wisdom teeth is because the modern jaw simply doesn’t have space for them. As a result, the teeth may:
- Erupt at an angle
- Get stuck (impacted) under the gums
- Push against neighboring teeth
This lack of space can lead to discomfort, crowding, and alignment issues—even if you’ve already had orthodontic work.
2. Impacted Teeth Can Cause Serious Problems
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gums. This can lead to:
- Infection around the tooth (pericoronitis)
- Cysts that damage the jawbone or nearby roots
- Gum inflammation or chronic pain
- Damage to second molars due to pressure or decay
Removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent these issues before they start or worsen.
3. Cleaning Them Is Difficult
Even if your wisdom teeth erupt normally, they’re located in a hard-to-reach area. That makes them difficult to clean, which increases the risk of:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bacterial buildup that affects overall oral health
In many cases, we recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem—especially in young adults whose teeth and bones are still more adaptable.
4. They Can Shift Other Teeth
If your mouth is already crowded, wisdom teeth trying to push through can lead to shifting or overlapping of your other teeth. This is especially frustrating for patients who have previously worn braces or aligners.
Preventing this movement is another reason many people opt for early removal, often between the late teen years and early 20s.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
At Neville Dental Studio, we make the removal process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial evaluation: We use digital X-rays or 3D imaging to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is necessary.
- Anesthesia options: Depending on the complexity of the case and your comfort level, we offer local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
- Surgical removal: Impacted teeth may require small incisions, while erupted teeth are typically removed more easily.
- Recovery: Most patients recover within a few days, with swelling and discomfort managed by medication and rest.
We provide complete aftercare instructions and follow-up support to make sure your recovery is smooth.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not always. In some cases, wisdom teeth come in properly aligned, with no signs of decay, crowding, or discomfort. If that’s the case—and they’re easy to keep clean—we may recommend simply monitoring them over time.
However, proactive removal is often advised if:
- Teeth are partially erupted
- Imaging shows signs of impaction or crowding
- You’re experiencing pain or swelling
- There’s a risk of future infection or damage to other teeth
Early removal (usually before the roots are fully formed) tends to result in an easier procedure and faster healing.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There’s no universal timeline, but many dentists and oral surgeons recommend evaluating wisdom teeth in the late teen years. This allows us to see whether there’s enough room for them and whether any issues are starting to form beneath the surface.
The ideal time for removal is often between ages 17 and 25, when the bone is still more flexible and recovery tends to be quicker.
Final Thoughts: A Small Step for Long-Term Oral Health
Wisdom tooth removal may not be a glamorous milestone, but it’s often a smart one—especially if it prevents pain, infection, or the undoing of your orthodontic results. At Neville Dental Studio in Bowling Green, we take a personalized approach to every patient. Whether your wisdom teeth are ready to come out or simply need to be monitored, we’re here to guide you with expertise, comfort, and care.
Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to come out?
Schedule a consultation today. We’ll take a closer look and help you make the best decision for your smile—now and in the future.
Posted on behalf of
