Is It Okay to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth If They Aren’t Causing You Pain?

We all know the common saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering if that phrase can be applied to wisdom tooth removal. After all, if they aren’t causing you pain, why would you need to undergo a surgical procedure to get rid of them? The matter, however, is a bit more complex. Let’s consider the full picture to learn more about your wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the backmost molars that typically don’t emerge until adolescence. They are a holdover from our early ancestors who required extra teeth to chew and digest coarse, tough foods. Nowadays, our diets are much easier on our teeth, and our jaws have evolved in a way that leaves little space for these unnecessary molars, which is why many patients get them removed!

Why Wisdom Teeth May Need to be Removed

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you pain, there are a number of situations where removal may be necessary. Whether the molars are fully or partially emerged, or impacted and trapped under the gumline, here are some potential consequences of keeping your wisdom teeth:

• Crowding: As your wisdom teeth erupt, they are likely to push into their neighboring teeth, causing crowding and misalignment of your smile.
• Cysts: In some cases, pockets of fluid, called cysts, may develop around impacted wisdom teeth. These cysts can cause infection and bone damage to your jaw and surrounding teeth.
• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: When wisdom teeth fail to come in completely, they can be challenging to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Consult Your DFW-Area Dentist

Remember, just because your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you pain right now doesn’t mean they never will. Your dentist may recommend preventive removal just to ensure that no issues develop down the line.

That said, some people never experience problems with their wisdom teeth and keep them for their whole lives! Each patient is different, so this decision must be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your dentist, who will keep thorough records and X-rays to track any changes related to your wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry

At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, we handle all wisdom tooth removals in-house. Our experienced team will carefully evaluate your situation and carry out any necessary extractions with a gentle hand. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Burleson, Keller, and Dallas, Texas, please contact us today!