Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Inevitable for Everyone?

Wisdom teeth — the third set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early 20s — often have a bad reputation. While it’s true that many people need to have them removed, wisdom teeth extraction isn’t inevitable for everyone.

So, how do you know which path is right for you? The answer depends on how much space you have in your mouth and how your wisdom teeth are growing. 

Take a moment as  Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro explains why wisdom tooth removal is common, who can benefit from wisdom tooth removal, and what to expect from wisdom tooth removal at  The Dental Center of Hercules.

Why are wisdom teeth removed so often?

In many cases, there simply isn’t enough room in your mouth for these extra molars. Modern-day human jaws are significantly smaller than those of our ancestors. It’s known as the “shrinking jaw” epidemic.

 This can lead to problems like:

• Impacted teeth (when the tooth doesn’t fully erupt)
• Crowding or shifting of other teeth
• Gum inflammation
• Increased risk of infections and decay 
• Cysts or damage to nearby teeth

If Dr. Teodoro sees signs that your wisdom teeth could cause these issues — even before symptoms begin — she may recommend removal as a preventive measure. Leaving impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth in your mouth can lead to serious infections like pericoronitis.

That’s why regular dental checkups and X-rays are so important — they allow Dr. Teodoro to monitor how your wisdom teeth are developing and catch any potential problems early.

Who can keep their wisdom teeth?

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. In some cases, your wisdom teeth can grow in completely and stay healthy, properly aligned, and pain-free. 

You may not need removal if:

• Your wisdom teeth have fully erupted
• They are easy to clean and maintain
• They’re not causing crowding or affecting your bite
• There’s no sign of infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth

As long as your wisdom teeth meet these criteria, there’s no need to remove them. In fact, the National Institutes of Health holds that there are no scientifically proven benefits of extracting asymptomatic wisdom teeth that don’t pose any problems (and that aren’t predicted to pose future problems). 

What if you need your wisdom teeth removed?

If removal is necessary, don’t worry. At The Dental Center of Hercules, we provide gentle, expert care to make your wisdom teeth extraction as smooth and stress-free as possible. Local anesthetics keep you comfortable, while nitrous sedation helps you stay calm and relaxed.

Removing all four wisdom teeth typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours. After surgery, it’s normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort as your gums begin to heal and blood clots form. Using an ice pack on your jaw can help reduce swelling, and most discomfort fades within a few days.

Pro tip: Look for an ice pack designed for oral surgeries. They typically feature a strap to hold them in place.

To support proper healing, avoid using straws, drinking hot liquids, or doing strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. These actions can dislodge the blood clots, delay healing, and cause dry socket.

We know it’s not always easy to think about wisdom tooth removal, but if you are facing an extraction, focus on the benefits. Removing wisdom teeth can help you avoid the problems (and pain!) of impacted and partially impacted teeth. 

Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to come out or not?

Book a consultation today with The Dental Center of Hercules and let our experienced team help you make the right decision for your oral health.