Keeping Wisdom Teeth - Wise or Not?
Why Removing Wisdom Teeth Early Can Save You Pain and Trouble Later
Wisdom teeth, also known as your third set of molars, usually make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they grow in smoothly without causing any issues. But for many others, these latecomer teeth can cause crowding, pain, infection, or other dental problems.
That’s why dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they start creating trouble. Here’s why getting them out early can be a smart move for your smile and your health.
1. Prevent Pain Before It Starts
When wisdom teeth start to push through, they can cause soreness, swelling, and pressure in the back of your mouth. Removing them early can help you avoid this discomfort altogether, rather than waiting until the pain forces you into the dentist’s chair.
2. Avoid Infection and Gum Problems
Because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they’re harder to clean properly. This can lead to trapped food, gum inflammation, and even infections. If the tooth is partly trapped under the gum (impacted), bacteria can easily get in and cause ongoing problems.
3. Protect Your Other Teeth
If wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow in, they can push against your other teeth, causing crowding or shifting. This can undo years of orthodontic work or simply make your smile less even.
4. Faster and Easier Recovery
Younger patients generally heal faster and experience fewer complications from wisdom tooth surgery. The bone is softer, and the roots aren’t as fully formed, which often makes the procedure smoother.
5. Save Money and Stress Later
Removing wisdom teeth after they’ve caused damage or infection can be more complicated and costly. Taking them out early is often simpler, less expensive, and easier to manage in terms of recovery.
The Bottom Line
While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, doing it early can prevent a host of future problems. If you wait until there’s pain or swelling, the surgery and recovery might be harder.
Click HERE to schedule your wisdom tooth evaluation with Dr.Andrew today and see if early removal is right for you.
