It’s a question almost everyone eventually asks their dentist: do wisdom teeth need to be removed? The short answer: no, not necessarily. The longer answer is worth exploring.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, come in during early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are four of them, one in each corner of the mouth, at the very back of the dental arches. And contrary to popular belief, removing them isn’t automatic.
When can you keep your wisdom teeth?
In some cases, wisdom teeth can stay in place without causing any problems. Here are the conditions that allow you to keep them:
They’re properly aligned and positioned. If they come in straight, in line with the other teeth, they don’t affect your bite or put pressure on neighbouring teeth.
They’re accessible for proper hygiene. A wisdom tooth that can be brushed and cleaned properly carries much less risk. The main challenge with the back molars is often plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
They’re free of cavities. A healthy tooth, with no signs of infection or demineralization, doesn’t need to be removed as a precaution.
They’re functional. If the tooth bites properly against the opposing tooth and takes part normally in chewing, that’s a good sign it belongs in the mouth.
When is extraction recommended?
When one or more of these conditions aren’t met, extraction often becomes the best option. Problem situations include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: meaning they stay stuck under the gum or in the bone, unable to fully emerge. This can cause pain, infections, or damage to neighbouring teeth.
- They’re coming in at the wrong angle: this puts pressure on nearby molars and can lead to long-term damage.
- There isn’t enough space: this can cause the other teeth to shift out of alignment. The gum tissue around the tooth can also create a pocket where bacteria build up, leading to infection.
- Cavities or gum problems develop around the wisdom tooth.
Why act early if extraction is needed?
When extraction is recommended, dentists generally suggest acting early, ideally before age 25. At this age, the roots aren’t fully formed yet and bone density is more favourable since the jaw hasn’t finished developing. This usually means a faster, less complicated recovery. The longer you wait, the trickier the procedure can become.
The right follow-up care is key
Whether you keep your wisdom teeth or not, regular dental follow-up remains essential. Panoramic X-rays help assess their position and how they’re developing over time. It’s often during a routine check-up that problems — sometimes still symptom-free — are caught before they lead to complications.
Have questions about your wisdom teeth? The team at Dentown Dental Centre is here to advise you and assess your situation. Book an appointment at (514) 657-2001 or through our online form.