Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are something we all hear about and deal with at some point, but how do you know if it’s time to say goodbye? For many people, these late-arriving teeth can be a source of pain or discomfort, while for others, they don’t seem to cause any trouble at all. So, you may be wondering, “Should I remove my wisdom teeth?” And if so, when is the best time to do it? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of wisdom teeth removal, helping you make the right decision for your dental health.

Signs That You Might Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

As a child, a wisdom tooth is never your concern. But as you get older, you start noticing some signs indicating it’s time to take them out. You may also go without experiencing any of the signs, confusing you and leaving you with the question, “Should I remove my wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt?”. Let’s take a look at these signs first to help you understand if you need to extract your wisdom tooth. 

• If you start feeling pain in the back of your mouth, which is a sign of wisdom tooth pain, it shows that your wisdom teeth are pushing through or getting impacted.
• Swelling around your gums, especially near the wisdom teeth, can indicate they’re struggling to emerge properly.
• Trouble opening your mouth or chewing on foods may happen when wisdom teeth are causing crowding.
• If your other teeth are suddenly shifting or becoming crowded, your wisdom teeth might be pushing them out of alignment.
• Partial wisdom tooth eruption can create pockets where bacteria get trapped. This leads to developing wisdom teeth infections or even cysts.

When you notice these signs, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a wisdom tooth extraction treatment. This way, you can get professional help to prevent more complex and severe problems.

Still have questions before making a decision? Read our FAQ about wisdom teeth it covers the most common concerns patients ask about before deciding.

When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The signs we reviewed earlier show you that you need wisdom tooth removal as soon as possible before the situation gets worse. However, it’s recommended to take them out soon enough for early intervention and before they develop any of those signs. Therefore, the best time to remove your wisdom teeth is often during your late teens or early twenties (between 17 to 25 years old). During these ages, the teeth have developed but aren’t fully rooted yet. 

This is considered the best time, as at this stage, the extraction tends to be easier, and recovery is quicker. However, timing can be different for individual cases. Therefore, regular dental check-ups can help your dentist track their growth and recommend the right time for removal.

Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Invisalign?

If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign and still have your wisdom teeth, it might be a good idea to remove them first. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause crowding or push your other teeth out of place, which could mess with your Invisalign results. Therefore, getting them removed before starting treatment helps keep everything on track. 

Sometimes, your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any trouble. In this case, your dentist or orthodontist will let you know if removal is necessary. So, it’s always best to check with them so you can make the right choice!

Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Braces?

Planning to get braces? If you still have your wisdom teeth, we recommend discussing removal with your dentist or orthodontist. Based on our dentist’s past experiences, a patient who got braces developed some trouble with the crowding of teeth and alignment later on. That was because their wisdom teeth started to grow, pushing against their other teeth and undoing the work braces are trying to fix. 

That said, there isn’t a fixed solution for everybody. If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problems, your orthodontist might decide you can keep them. It’s all about consulting with a dentist and making sure your teeth stay in the proper position after braces!

Can I Not Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Removing wisdom teeth isn’t crucial for everybody. Therefore, you don’t always have to remove your wisdom teeth if they’re not causing any issues and if you have naturally enough space in your mouth. In this case, your wisdom teeth grow normally without pain or crowding. That said, if you need wisdom tooth removal and leave it untreated when they’re causing problems, it can lead to some serious risks. 

Potential Risks of Leaving Wisdom Teeth Untreated

• If there’s not enough room, wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing teeth crowding. 
• As they try to grow in, they might get impacted or stuck and cause jaw pain or pressure. Sometimes, the tooth pain from wisdom teeth is so severe that you need emergency dental care.
• Wisdom tooth infection is a serious problem caused by trapped food and bacteria. This one, too, requires immediate professional help. 
• Since wisdom teeth are hard to clean, they can easily get cavities, which may spread to other teeth.
• Moreover, in rare cases, untreated wisdom teeth can develop cysts or other growths that damage nearby teeth or even bone.

How to Manage the Tooth Pain from Wisdom Teeth?

Sometimes, the situation makes your wisdom tooth pain unbearable and overwhelming. Therefore, you need to take care of it immediately. Reach out to a dentist for urgent dental care right away. They will relieve you from pain properly and offer treatments to solve the problem at its root. However, until you can head over to an emergency dental clinic, there are some home remedies you can try. They help you manage your wisdom tooth pain only temporarily until you can get professional care.

Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

• Over-the-counter pain relief: Some medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce pain and inflammation. 
• Warm salt water rinse: Mix salt with warm salt water and swish it in your mouth. This can reduce the swelling and clean the area around the wisdom teeth.
• Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling. 
• Clove oil: If you have clove oil at home, dab a small amount onto a cotton ball and place it on the painful area for a few minutes. This can also reduce the pain.
• Peppermint tea bags: After steeping a peppermint tea bag, let it cool slightly and then place it on the sore area. Peppermint has soothing properties.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Removing Wisdom Teeth?

Getting wisdom teeth removed is generally more beneficial than harmful. However, because of some risks and disadvantages, some may want to delay it. These disadvantages, while minor and unimportant, are worth mentioning. This way, you can be more prepared after you decide to get wisdom teeth removal treatment. The surgery itself has some risks, such as:

• Bleeding,
• Infection,
• And reactions to anesthesia. 

There’s also the possibility of developing a dry socket, a painful condition that can occur if the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges. Some people may also notice temporary numbness or changes in sensation in their lip, tongue, or chin if nerves are affected during the procedure.

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

First, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will examine your teeth to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned. This helps them plan the best way to remove them. On the day of your oral surgery, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable. This can be local anesthesia, which numbs just the area, or general anesthesia, which makes you sleep during the procedure. 

Once you’re numb or asleep, the dentist will carefully remove your wisdom tooth. For impacted wisdom teeth, they might need to cut into the gum or bone to get them out. After the removal, you will spend some time in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. As you might feel groggy, it’s important to have someone with you to help you get home. Finally, your dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth, including what to eat and how to manage pain with medication. But let’s not get into that now! We’ll discuss it later in this article.

Do They Break Your Jaw to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are removed from your gums, not your jaws. Moreover, if they are impacted and cannot be easily taken out, dentists may need to make small cuts in the gum or bone. However, they will not break your jaw for wisdom tooth extraction. 

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?

The whole procedure can cause some pain, but it is usually manageable. During the procedure, you will be under anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain while the teeth are being removed. Afterward, it’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, and discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. In that case, you can use pain relief options according to your dentist’s instructions for taking care of yourself at home. Generally, there’s nothing to worry about, as most people find that the pain improves within a few days, and many feel much better after a week.

Recovery Tips After Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed

Even though your dentist will provide you with the necessary instructions for post-operative care, it’s a good idea to know them beforehand. This way, you can make sure everything is ready when you get back home from your treatment session, and you can follow the required steps. 

Here are some recovery tips to help you feel better after getting your wisdom teeth removed:

• You need to rest for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities, as your body needs time to heal.
• To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your cheeks for the first 24 hours, for about 15-20 minutes.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relief. Over-the-counter medications can help, but make sure to take them as directed.
• Eat only soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. But avoid straws for the first few days, as sucking can dislodge blood clots and lead to dry sockets.
• Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after the first 24 hours. 
• Don’t forget to attend any follow-up appointments your dentist schedules to ensure proper healing.

Should I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After the procedure, you need to be gentle with your oral care. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing the extraction sites to allow blood clots to form and heal properly. After that, you can start brushing your teeth again, but be careful around the areas where the teeth were removed. 

Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the extraction sites until they have healed, which may take about a week. 

What Are Alternatives to Wisdom Teeth Removal?

As mentioned earlier, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and do not cause any problems, there is generally no need to remove them. In such cases, your dentist may recommend:

• Monitoring the teeth with regular check-ups and X-rays.
• Orthodontic treatments if your wisdom teeth are causing crowding but are not impacted or painful.
• Focusing on good oral hygiene for partially erupted wisdom teeth that are not severely impacted.
• Pain management options if your wisdom teeth are causing mild discomfort but are otherwise healthy.

Consider the risks of not getting wisdom teeth removed—crowding, infections, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth.

Final Word

Throughout this blog, we discussed the answer to the question “When should i get my wisdom teeth out?” and covered everything you need to know. All in all, deciding whether to remove your wisdom teeth is a personal choice that depends on your individual dental health and circumstances. While some may need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent problems, others may keep them if they are healthy and not causing any issues. It’s, therefore, essential to have discussions with your dentist about your options and to make the best decisions. Find out exactly what wisdom tooth surgery entails and how to prepare for it.

If you’re experiencing pain or have questions about your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Elmwood Park Dental. Our team is always here to help you improve your dental health with care and expertise. Schedule your consultation today, and let us guide you on the best path for your smile!

FAQ

1. How many days does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Recovery usually takes about 3 to 7 days for most people. However, the initial swelling and discomfort usually improve within the first few days. Complete healing of the gum tissue may take a few weeks, but everyone’s recovery time can vary.

2. What happens if your wisdom teeth never hurt?

If your wisdom teeth never hurt and are healthy, they may not need to be removed. However, your dentist will monitor their position and health through regular check-ups and X-rays. If they begin to cause issues later on, removal may still be necessary.

3. Is it OK if you don’t remove wisdom teeth?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing any problems, there’s no need for removal. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure they remain healthy.

4. Why do my wisdom teeth hurt more at night?

Many people experience increased pain at night due to a few reasons. Lying down can increase blood flow to the head, which may heighten sensitivity. Additionally, nighttime habits like grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can also cause discomfort. If you notice persistent pain, it’s best to consult your dentist.