Do You Really Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Here’s What You Should Know
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, wisdom teeth erupt normally and function like any other molar. For many others, however, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for these teeth to grow properly.
When wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gums or grow in at the wrong angle, they can lead to pain, swelling, infection, damage to nearby teeth, and other dental problems.
At Bronte Road Family Dental in Oakville, we evaluate wisdom teeth using a clinical examination and dental X-rays to determine whether they are healthy or whether removal may be the best option.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars.
Most people develop four wisdom teeth:
- One in each upper corner
- One in each lower corner
Some people develop fewer than four, and some never develop wisdom teeth at all.
If there is enough space and the teeth are healthy, wisdom teeth may never need to be removed.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
The most common reason is a lack of space.
When wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly, they may become impacted, meaning they remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gums or jawbone.
Impacted wisdom teeth may grow:
- Straight but remain trapped
- Toward the neighbouring tooth
- Away from the neighbouring tooth
- Horizontally
- At an angle
The position of the tooth often determines whether treatment is recommended.
Problems Wisdom Teeth Can Cause
Not every wisdom tooth causes problems.
However, impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may increase the risk of:
- Tooth pain
- Swollen gums
- Jaw discomfort
- Repeated infections
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Food trapping
- Bad breath
- Damage to neighbouring teeth
- Cysts around the tooth (less commonly)
Because partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, bacteria can collect around them more easily, increasing the risk of infection.
Is It Better to Remove Wisdom Teeth Before They Hurt?
Sometimes, yes.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they begin causing symptoms if X-rays show they are unlikely to erupt normally.
Removing wisdom teeth earlier often has advantages because:
- The roots are usually not fully developed.
- The surrounding bone is less dense.
- Healing tends to be faster.
- Surgery may be less complicated.
- Problems may be prevented before they occur.
This does not mean everyone should automatically have their wisdom teeth removed.
Your dentist will recommend treatment based on your age, symptoms, X-rays, and the position of your wisdom teeth.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The procedure depends on whether the tooth has fully erupted.
Fully Erupted Wisdom Teeth
If the tooth is completely above the gumline, it can often be removed similarly to a regular tooth extraction.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If the tooth remains beneath the gums or jawbone, a small surgical procedure is usually required.
This may involve:
- Gently lifting the gum tissue.
- Removing a small amount of bone if necessary.
- Dividing the tooth into smaller sections.
- Carefully removing each section.
- Cleaning the area.
- Placing stitches if needed.
Removing the tooth in smaller pieces often reduces the amount of bone that needs to be removed and can make the procedure less traumatic.
Will It Hurt?
Many patients are surprised that the procedure itself is more comfortable than they expected.
Local anesthetic is used to numb the area completely. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your level of anxiety, additional sedation options may also be available.
After the anesthetic wears off, some discomfort, swelling, and stiffness are normal.
Most patients manage recovery well using the medications recommended by their dentist or oral surgeon.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery varies from person to person.
Many patients return to school or work within two to five days, although more complex extractions may require additional healing time.
To encourage healing:
- Rest for the first 24 hours.
- Apply ice packs as directed.
- Eat soft foods.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Avoid drinking through a straw.
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
- Keep the area clean as instructed.
Most swelling reaches its peak within the first two to three days before gradually improving.
Are There Risks?
Like any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth removal carries some risks.
These may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry socket
- Temporary numbness (in some lower wisdom teeth)
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain any risks that apply specifically to your situation before treatment.
How Bronte Road Family Dental Can Help
At Bronte Road Family Dental, we carefully evaluate wisdom teeth before recommending treatment.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and functioning normally, removal may not be necessary. If they are impacted or likely to cause future problems, we’ll discuss your options, explain the procedure, and refer you to an experienced oral surgeon when appropriate for more complex cases.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs—not simply remove wisdom teeth because they’re present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have enough space and can be cleaned properly may not require removal.
What age is best for wisdom teeth removal?
Many patients have wisdom teeth evaluated during their late teens or early twenties, although treatment depends on the individual rather than age alone.
How long does wisdom teeth surgery take?
Many extractions take less than an hour, although the exact time depends on the number of teeth being removed and their position.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel significantly better within several days, while complete healing of the bone and gums continues over several weeks.
What foods can I eat after surgery?
Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies (without a straw), soup, oatmeal, and applesauce are often recommended during the first few days.
Early Evaluation Can Prevent Bigger Problems
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but when they become impacted or begin causing problems, early evaluation can help prevent more complicated treatment later.
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain or simply want to know whether your wisdom teeth have enough room to develop properly, the team at Bronte Road Family Dental in Oakville can assess your teeth and help you understand your treatment options.
References
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – Wisdom Teeth Information
- Canadian Dental Association – Wisdom Teeth and Oral Health
- American Dental Association – MouthHealthy: Wisdom Teeth
