Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, despite what many people assume. While removal is common and often necessary, some people can keep their wisdom teeth throughout their lives without problems. Understanding when it’s okay to keep your wisdom teeth helps you make an informed decision about your oral health.
At Warren Oral Surgery, our team of six skilled oral surgeons has been evaluating wisdom teeth since 2004, helping patients determine the best course of action for their individual situations. We carefully assess each case to recommend whether removal is necessary or if monitoring and maintaining your wisdom teeth is the right choice.
When Wisdom Teeth Can Stay
Several factors determine whether your wisdom teeth can remain in your mouth safely. The primary consideration is whether they have enough space to erupt properly and can be maintained with good oral hygiene.
Your mouth needs adequate space for wisdom teeth to emerge without crowding other teeth. If your jaw is large enough to accommodate these third molars, they may erupt normally and function like any other tooth. Additionally, wisdom teeth positioned correctly and aligned with your bite can contribute to proper chewing function.
Proper Eruption and Alignment
Wisdom teeth that erupt straight and align properly with your existing teeth rarely cause problems. When they come through the gums completely and sit at the same level as your other molars, they can function normally for chewing and speaking.
Partial eruption, where only part of the tooth emerges through the gum, creates problems because bacteria can accumulate around the partially covered tooth. Complete eruption eliminates this risk and allows for proper cleaning.
Access for Cleaning
One of the most important factors in keeping wisdom teeth is your ability to clean them effectively. These teeth are located at the very back of your mouth, making them naturally harder to reach with your toothbrush and floss.
If you can brush and floss your wisdom teeth thoroughly, removing plaque and food particles completely, they may be candidates for keeping. However, if their position makes adequate cleaning impossible, they become breeding grounds for bacteria and should be removed.
Healthy Surrounding Tissues
The gums and bone around your wisdom teeth must remain healthy for the teeth to stay. Signs of healthy tissues include pink gums that don’t bleed during brushing or flossing, no swelling or tenderness, and adequate bone support around the tooth roots.
When wisdom teeth cause recurring gum inflammation, infections, or bone loss, removal becomes necessary to prevent more serious complications. Regular dental checkups help monitor the health of tissues around wisdom teeth.
No Crowding of Other Teeth
Wisdom teeth should not push or crowd your existing teeth. While the relationship between wisdom teeth and crowding is debated among dental professionals, teeth that clearly cause movement or displacement of other teeth may need removal.
If your orthodontic treatment could be compromised by emerging wisdom teeth, your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to determine the best timing for evaluation and potential removal.
Regular Monitoring Requirements
Keeping wisdom teeth requires ongoing monitoring by your dentist and periodic evaluation by an oral surgeon. Regular dental visits allow for early detection of problems before they become serious.
X-rays help monitor the position of wisdom teeth, the health of surrounding bone, and the development of any cysts or other complications. Professional cleanings become especially important for reaching areas around wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean at home.
Age Considerations
Younger patients often have an easier time keeping wisdom teeth because their roots aren’t fully developed, and their jawbones are less dense. As people age, wisdom tooth problems tend to become more complicated to treat.
The ideal time for wisdom tooth evaluation is during the teenage years, when root development can be assessed and future problems anticipated. However, adults can also be candidates for keeping wisdom teeth if they meet the necessary criteria.
When Removal Becomes Necessary
Even wisdom teeth that initially seem fine may need removal later if circumstances change. Pain, recurring infections, decay that can’t be properly treated, or changes in your ability to clean them effectively all signal the need for removal.
Cyst formation around impacted wisdom teeth, damage to adjacent teeth, or bone loss in the area are serious complications that require prompt attention and usually removal of the affected teeth.
Making the Decision
The decision to keep or remove wisdom teeth should always be made in consultation with dental professionals. Your general dentist can monitor your wisdom teeth during regular visits, while an oral surgeon can provide a detailed evaluation and recommendations based on clinical examination and imaging studies.
Individual factors like your oral hygiene habits, overall health, and personal preferences all play roles in this decision. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another, even with similar tooth positions.
Warren Oral Surgery’s Comprehensive Approach
At Warren Oral Surgery, we take a comprehensive approach to wisdom tooth evaluation, considering all factors that impact your long-term oral health. Our surgeons, including Dr. Marquis, use advanced 3D imaging to assess tooth position, root development, and potential complications. Founded by Dr. Sullivan, our practice has built a reputation for providing exceptional individualized care, taking time to explain your options and help you make the best decision for your situation.
Whether you’re a teenager getting your first wisdom tooth evaluation or an adult experiencing new symptoms, our team provides a thorough assessment and clear recommendations. We’ll work with you to determine if keeping your wisdom teeth is viable or if removal would better serve your long-term oral health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get professional guidance on your wisdom teeth.
