Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

No one wants to lose a permanent “adult” tooth. So, why do people intentionally remove their wisdom teeth, even if they haven’t caused problems yet? 

Technically, you don’t always have to remove these teeth. However, they do have a reputation for causing issues in the long run. That’s why many dentists take a preventive approach by extracting these molars before problems arise. 

But there’s no guarantee you need to have yours removed. Instead, several factors can determine if extraction is the best course of action and that’s where Dr. Daniel Park can help.

In an ideal world, Dr. Park wants everyone to keep all of their natural teeth, including the wisdom teeth. Still, he also sees firsthand the issues these molars can cause if and when they come on the scene.

To avoid problems, Dr. Park performs a comprehensive exam at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental in Beaumont, California, to assess your wisdom teeth, mouth, and risk of potential complications. Then, he can make personalized recommendations about whether to remove your wisdom teeth or not.

Here are a few reasons why Dr. Park could suggest extracting these teeth.

The problem with wisdom teeth

People may refer to these third molars as “wisdom” teeth because they come on the scene late, typically when you reach adulthood or 17-21 years of age. In the past, they might have served to replace adult teeth you may have lost, but with fewer people losing teeth, they don’t always serve a function. 

Unfortunately, there’s typically little room in the mouth remaining for these teeth to develop or emerge in an ideal manner. This leaves them getting stuck partially or completely below the gum line. When this occurs, you have an impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause several issues, including damage and decay.

But that’s not all.

Wisdom teeth can also grow at strange and awkward angles, whether it’s against nearby teeth, toward the back of the mouth, or even into the jaw itself. 

All of these matters can add up to multiple problems, such as:

• Pain 
• Overcrowding
• Bite and alignment issues
• Bone and tooth damage
• Extensive decay
• Gum disease, chronic infections, fluid-filled cysts, and tumors

It’s also common for wisdom teeth to be unpredictable, so these issues can arise anytime.

When to get your wisdom teeth removed

Since wisdom teeth issues can flare up unexpectedly and at any point in life, extracting them as a preventive measure at a young age makes things easier. That’s because the process is often safer, and simpler, and requires shorter recovery periods in patients between 15 and 22 years of age. But why?

Believe it or not, jawbones are less dense and tooth roots haven’t fully formed yet at this point in life. That makes the entire process easier on the patient and recovery faster.

However, some situations can require wisdom tooth extraction as well. Dr. Park might suggest removal if you have the following:

• Pain in or near the wisdom tooth site
• Widespread tooth decay or gum disease
• Damage to surrounding teeth
• Persistent infections in the soft tissue behind your last lower tooth
• Cysts or tumors

If you do need your wisdom teeth extracted, you’re in good hands with Dr. Park. He either uses local anesthetic, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, which keeps you comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

You can usually expect minor swelling and discomfort for a few days. However, you can typically resume regular activities within 3-5 days.

Still trying to figure out what to do about your wisdom teeth? Contact Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental by phone or online to schedule an assessment with Dr. Park in Beaumont, California, today.