Why Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Be Removed

If you’ve been told your wisdom teeth need to come out, your first reaction might be that they aren’t hurting or bothering you at all. However, wisdom teeth don’t always give you a warning before they start causing problems. By the time they do, things can be more complicated than they need to be.

Brian Kraft, DDS, at Payson Dental and Orthodontics in Payson, Utah, explains what’s actually going on and why removal might be the right call.

Your mouth probably doesn’t have room for them.

Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and they’re the last ones to show up, typically somewhere between ages 17 and 25. By then, your jaw is fully developed, and for most people, there just isn’t enough space for four more teeth.

When there’s no room, wisdom teeth can become impacted (stuck beneath your gumline). They may also come in at an angle, pushing against the teeth next to them.

Dr. Kraft uses digital X-rays and 3D cone-beam imaging to get a clear picture of exactly what’s happening beneath the surface, long before you feel any discomfort.

The problems wisdom teeth can cause

Left in place, problematic wisdom teeth can lead to:

• Damage or crowding of neighboring teeth
• Misalignment that disrupts your bite
• Reversal of previous orthodontic work
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Infections that affect the surrounding bone and tissue
  
  

Because wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, they’re difficult to brush and floss around. Food and bacteria can easily get trapped, and what starts as a hygiene issue can turn into something requiring more involved treatment.

Timing matters

One thing Dr. Kraft emphasizes: when it comes to wisdom teeth, earlier is generally easier. Younger patients tend to heal faster, and the roots of the teeth aren’t fully formed yet, which makes removal more straightforward. Waiting until you’re in pain often means the tooth has had more time to settle in, and, unfortunately, more time to cause damage.

If you’re already investing in Invisalign®, braces, or another orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth that push and shift can undo months of progress, which is the last thing you want after months of treatment.

What to expect

Wisdom teeth removal is included in our oral surgery services, and we’re focused on making the experience as comfortable as possible.

After your consultation and imaging, Dr. Kraft will walk you through exactly what he sees and what he recommends.

If you’ve been putting this off or aren’t sure whether your wisdom teeth are a problem, call the office at 801-335-9050 or request an appointment online.