Wisdom teeth - do they need to be removed?

Short and sweet: Unless you’re experiencing pain or other issues with your wisdom teeth, there’s no need to remove them.

Five quick facts about wisdom teeth:

1. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge and are also called third molars. They typically appear between ages 18 and 25.
2. Many people need to remove wisdom teeth due to lack of space or issues like inflammation or cavities.
3. Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean and easily get infected if not thoroughly brushed, leading to gum inflammation around the tooth.
4. They can also cause damage to other teeth, especially if they grow at an angle and put pressure on neighboring teeth.
5. Wisdom teeth can be removed by a general dentist or oral surgeon, depending on the complexity. It’s often a good idea to remove them while you’re young, as the gums are more flexible.

When do wisdom teeth come in?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They usually appear between ages 16 and 25, though this can vary from person to person.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

The most common issues with wisdom teeth are infections around the tooth or cavities:

• Infection in the gum around the tooth: This can sometimes spread to the cheek, throat, or jawbone. Infections are treated with antibiotics but may recur.
• Tooth decay and cavities (caries): It can be difficult to clean teeth so far back in the mouth, making decay more common here. Remember to brush and floss these teeth carefully.Wisdom teeth often need to be removed if they don’t emerge correctly, press against neighboring teeth, or cause other dental issues like gum inflammation, infections, or wear on other teeth. It’s generally easier to remove them while you’re younger, as your gums are more flexible, making access easier for the dentist.

How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?

If you’re having issues with your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist to assess whether they should be removed. The dentist will examine your oral health and give a thorough evaluation to determine whether extraction is necessary. If so, they will also recommend the best timing. In some cases, the roots may be complex, requiring an oral surgeon, and we will refer you to our skilled oral surgeon.

It’s not always enough to use regular X-rays to determine if wisdom teeth should be removed. That’s why dentists often use an OPG (Orthopantomogram) or panoramic X-ray for wisdom teeth assessment.

What is an OPG X-ray?

OPG (Orthopantomogram) is a type of panoramic X-ray that captures all the teeth in the mouth at once. It provides a broad view of the jaw and gums, allowing the dentist to see everything in one image. We often call it an “overview.” OPG is commonly used to evaluate wisdom teeth, as it offers a clear view of their position, how they’ve grown, and the roots' layout. This helps determine whether wisdom teeth should be removed.

OPG can also reveal if a wisdom tooth is infected or has caused damage to other teeth, which can be helpful in deciding whether extraction is necessary. The process is painless and takes only a few minutes. The radiation used is very low-dose, so there’s no health risk from taking an OPG.

If you have any questions about OPG or wisdom teeth, feel free to contact us by email or book an appointment for an examination on our website.