Do I Need to Get All of My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom tooth extraction is the leading form of oral surgery in the United States, with around five million procedures performed annually. If your wisdom teeth are coming in, you might be worried about the risk of impaction and other unpleasant problems you’ve heard they can cause. So would you be better off having them taken out?

At Fremaux Dental Care, we understand that this question often arises, especially for teens and young adults. The answer depends on several factors, including how your wisdom teeth are developing, the space available in your mouth, and whether they’re causing any problems.

Let’s walk through what you need to know about wisdom teeth and when it’s necessary to remove them.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. They’re the last permanent teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have two wisdom teeth on the top jaw and two on the bottom, but some may have fewer or even none at all.

These teeth were useful in the past when our ancestors had larger jaws and additional teeth helped them to accommodate a tougher diet. But now, with our smaller jaws and better dental care, wisdom teeth are often more trouble than they’re worth.

Why wisdom teeth are often removed

The main reason dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth is because they can cause problems if there’s not enough room for them to grow in properly. This can lead to:

• Impaction: The teeth get stuck under the gums or grow in at the wrong angle
• Crowding: They push other teeth out of alignment
• Pain, swelling, and soreness in the back of the mouth
• Infection: Trapped food and bacteria can cause gum infections
• Tooth decay: It’s hard to clean around wisdom teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.

Around 80% of people have some kind of problem with one or more of their wisdom teeth that would benefit from extraction. However, at Fremaux Dental Care, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Some patients have enough space in their mouths, and their wisdom teeth come in straight and healthy. In those cases, we leave them alone and simply monitor them over time. Here are some reasons we may recommend keeping your wisdom teeth:

• They’ve fully erupted (grown in) and are aligned correctly
• They’re easy to clean and aren’t causing crowding
• X-rays show they’re not affecting other teeth or your jawbone

That said, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain or exhibiting signs of infection or decay, removal is often the safest choice.

How we decide what’s right for you

We start with a comprehensive exam and dental X-rays to see how your wisdom teeth are growing. Our team considers:

• The position of the teeth
• Whether they’re impacted or partially erupted
• Indications of infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth
• Your overall oral health and future risk

We then discuss your options with you and help you create a plan that best suits your unique situation. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t worry — we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

The wisdom teeth removal process

Most people have all four wisdom teeth removed at once. However, depending on your individual case, we may recommend removing just one or two.

The procedure takes place in our office, usually under local anesthesia and sometimes with sedation to help you relax. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterward and should plan to rest for a couple of days.

Recovery is different for everyone, but most people feel back to normal within a week. Common symptoms include mild swelling, soreness, and a little bleeding. We’ll give you clear instructions to help you heal, including:

• Caring for the empty socket to prevent complications
• How to manage pain and swelling
• What to eat (soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, and soup)
• When to return for follow-up care

The good news? Once your wisdom teeth are out, they won’t grow back, and the problems they caused will be gone, too.

Let us help you decide

Remember, just because wisdom teeth removal is common doesn’t mean it’s always necessary. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your teeth carefully and explain all your options.

If you or your teen are wondering about wisdom teeth, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll check your mouth, review your X-rays, and help you make the best decision for your smile and your health.

Call Fremaux Dental Care to arrange a wisdom teeth assessment or get in touch using the online inquiry form.