The Risks of Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth: Why Removal Might Be Necessary

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications that can impact their oral health. Understanding the risks of keeping your wisdom teeth can help you make an informed decision about whether removal is the right choice for you.
 

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to fully emerge, they can become impacted. This means the teeth are trapped beneath the gums or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and lead to infections or cysts. Wisdom teeth can also push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding or shifting in your smile. This can undo years of orthodontic work or create new alignment issues.
 

Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
 

When wisdom teeth don’t emerge properly, they can create pockets in the gums where bacteria thrive. This can lead to painful infections, swelling, and the formation of cysts that may damage surrounding bone and tissue. Additionally, if a wisdom tooth grows at an angle, it can press against the second molar, leading to enamel erosion, cavities, or root damage.
 

When Is Removal Recommended?

At Midtown Dental Center, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is necessary. Removal may be recommended if:

• The teeth are impacted or partially erupted

• You experience pain or discomfort

• There is evidence of infection or cyst formation

• Your other teeth are being affected

• You’re preparing for orthodontic treatment
   

In some cases, removing wisdom teeth early—before the roots are fully developed—can reduce the risk of complications and lead to a smoother recovery.
 

What to Expect During Wisdom Extraction

Wisdom teeth removal is a common outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the complexity and your comfort level. During the procedure, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, remove any bone blocking the tooth, and carefully extract the tooth—sometimes in sections for easier removal. You may feel some pressure but should not experience pain during the procedure. 
 

Once the teeth are removed, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to help with healing. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, and you'll be sent home with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
 

Schedule Your Consultation with Midtown Dental Center Today

While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, keeping them can pose serious risks to your dental health if they are impacted, misaligned, or difficult to clean. Regular dental checkups and imaging allow our team at Midtown Dental Center to monitor their development and determine the best course of action.
 

Schedule a consultation with Midtown Dental Center to learn if wisdom teeth removal is the right step for your long-term oral health. Visit our office in Atlanta, Georgia, or call (404) 874-0800 to book an appointment today.