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There is a lot of skepticism around wisdom teeth removal. Some believe it is often recommended when it is not truly needed. While unnecessary procedures are a valid concern in healthcare, the reality with wisdom teeth is more complex — and the right choice depends on each patient’s unique situation.
In this blog, you will learn when wisdom teeth truly need to be removed, when they can safely stay in place, and how to decide what is best for your long-term oral health.
Table of Contents
- What Are Wisdom Teeth?
- When Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
- When You Might Not Need to Remove Them
- Finding a Professional You Can Trust
- Book a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
Wisdom teeth removal is not a scam, it’s a preventive treatment that is truly necessary for many people. The key is getting an honest evaluation you can trust.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are usually the last to emerge, typically in your late teens or early twenties. These teeth are a natural part of your dental development but often lead to oral health problems.
Some people never develop wisdom teeth. Others have room in their jaw for them to grow in. But for many, these teeth cause pain, swelling, or crowding because they get blocked by the jawbone, nearby teeth, or gum tissue.
When Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
There are clear medical reasons to remove wisdom teeth, especially when they threaten your oral health or cause discomfort.
Situations where removal is often necessary:
- Pain or swelling: This can be a sign of gum inflammation or infection that affects the surrounding tissue..
- Partially erupted teeth: These are hard to clean and can trap bacteria, leading to gum disease or tooth decay.
- Crowding or shifting teeth: Can undo orthodontic work and affect your bite.
- Cysts or jaw damage: Impacted wisdom teeth may form cysts that damage bone or nerves.
- Frequent infections: Bacteria buildup can lead to repeated infections.
In these cases, wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended to prevent long-term oral health problems.
When You Might Not Need to Remove Them
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Some erupt properly and stay healthy for years without causing issues.
Wisdom teeth may not need removal if:
- They are fully erupted and aligned with no signs of impaction or crowding.
- Gums are healthy with no signs of inflamed gums, infection, or periodontal disease.
- No decay or damage and they are easy to clean.
- There is enough jaw space without pressure on adjacent teeth, nerves, or blood vessels.
If your oral and maxillofacial surgeon confirms that your wisdom teeth are stable and not causing dental problems, continued observation may be all that is needed.
Finding a Professional You Can Trust
If you are unsure whether wisdom teeth removal is truly necessary, the most important step is choosing an oral surgeon you trust. A trustworthy surgeon will give honest advice based on your unique situation. They will explain the risks and benefits clearly, review your X-rays with you, and answer your questions without pressure.
Look for someone with strong reviews, relevant experience, and a reputation for ethical care in your community. When you work with a professional who values your long-term health over quick decisions, you can feel confident that the recommendation you receive is the right one for you.
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, Dr. Stephen Martin and Dr. J. Travis Thompson take a personalized, patient-first approach. They provide thorough evaluations and recommend removal only when it is in your best interest, so you can make decisions about your oral health with complete confidence.
Book a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation in Deer Park, IL
Get clarity about your wisdom teeth with an evaluation you can feel confident in. To book a wisdom teeth evaluation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Some people never develop wisdom teeth at all. Others may have one, two, three, or all four. Whether they appear and how they come in varies from person to person, which is why a dental evaluation is the best way to know what is happening in your mouth.
In many cases, yes, but the decision depends on your individual situation. Statistically, most wisdom teeth will cause problems at some point, including pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. Removing them before these issues develop is considered a preventive treatment that can help you avoid more complex surgery later. Even if your wisdom teeth are not currently painful, an oral surgeon can determine whether early removal is the safest long-term choice.
If your wisdom teeth come in straight and remain free of decay or gum disease, you may never need oral surgery. But this requires ongoing monitoring by a dentist or oral surgeon to catch any changes early.
If you are near Deer Park, IL, schedule a consultation at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, located at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL 60010. Our experienced maxillofacial surgeons will evaluate your wisdom teeth and explain the safest treatment options.
