Do Wisdom Teeth Always Require Extraction?

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth don’t bring anyone extra wisdom — but they often cause pain and discomfort until you remove them. Not everyone has an issue with wisdom teeth, but you may need an extraction if you do.

If your wisdom teeth are coming in and hurt or are causing issues in your gum tissues, it’s a good idea to have an oral surgeon remove them. Why? Leaving them in can cause more harm than good.

At Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Danbury, Ridgefield, and Southbury, Connecticut, our expert team offers a full scope of surgical dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Roger Badwal and Dr. Anthony Camillo are experienced oral surgeons who provide anesthesia and peace of mind when you need oral surgery.

Understanding wisdom teeth

Your wisdom teeth are the last molars you get, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Many dentists consider them your third molars, as they emerge behind your other two sets at the very back of your mouth.

Some people have all four wisdom teeth, some have two, and others have none. Any variation of this is normal, because wisdom teeth aren’t necessary and don't serve a purpose.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in without an issue, and you don’t have to do anything to clean them properly. However, many people have problems with wisdom teeth if their mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate four extra teeth.

Another issue with wisdom teeth is impaction, where these back molars get stuck in the jaw or gums and don’t break through. Impacted wisdom teeth cause various issues, including infection, gum disease, and possibly cavities.

Signs you need to extract your wisdom teeth

When wisdom teeth come in, they can be painful until they fully erupt through the gums. If you don’t have any issues after they come in, you don’t have to remove them.

However, if you have impacted wisdom teeth or they don’t come into the gums properly, you may need to have our team take them out. Signs that indicate an issue with the wisdom teeth include:

• Pain that doesn’t resolve
• Problems chewing
• Damage to other teeth
• Gum disease
• Repeat infections around the teeth
• Cysts in the gums
• Tooth decay throughout the mouth

If you have any issues when your wisdom teeth come in, it’s better to have them out sooner rather than later. Impacted wisdom teeth, or those that don’t fully erupt through the gums, can lead to serious oral health issues.

What’s involved in wisdom tooth extraction?

Our team specializes in wisdom teeth extraction. Before the procedure, we take various X-rays of your teeth and mouth to determine precisely where your wisdom teeth are situated.

We also perform an oral exam to look for other issues with your surrounding teeth and gums. If we determine an extraction is necessary, we set you up for the outpatient procedure. We provide anesthesia, so you need someone else to drive you to and from your appointment.

If you’re receiving anesthesia or sedation, we put in an IV before the procedure. You sit comfortably in a reclining dental chair during the entire procedure. We also numb the area around the wisdom teeth for enhanced comfort.

While you’re asleep, our team exposes the wisdom teeth through tiny incisions in the gums. We then loosen the teeth from the bone and gently remove them. Once the teeth are out, we thoroughly clean the socket and close the incisions.

You’ll spend a little time in the recovery area before you go home. We give you specific instructions on how to care for the incisions to prevent issues like dry socket or infection.

Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, many people opt for comfort and to prevent issues with cleaning the extra teeth. You may be able to keep your wisdom teeth if they:

• Are healthy
• Grow in properly
• Don’t cause chewing issues
• Stay clean and flossed

Even with the best care, wisdom teeth can be difficult to deal with and keep properly cleaned. The best option is to have our team evaluate your wisdom teeth as they come in to determine the best steps for your oral health needs.

Concerned about your wisdom teeth? Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help. Call one of our conveniently located offices in Southbury, Danbury, or Ridgefield, Connecticut, today, or use our online booking tool to request an appointment at your convenience.