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Published on Jun 2, 2025 | 5 minute read
Have you ever wondered why humans develop a third set of molars, only for them to often require removal? Wisdom teeth can be quite perplexing—they often emerge at an awkward time and in a space that's already crowded. For many, these late-blooming teeth cause more problems than they're worth.
Let's dive into why wisdom teeth extractions are not only common but frequently essential, and how the procedure itself is often much less daunting than you might expect.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25—right when we’re supposed to be getting “wise,” hence the name. The problem? Most jaws just don’t have the space to accommodate these extra teeth. That’s why they often come in at odd angles, push against neighboring teeth, or stay stuck beneath the gums entirely (known as impaction).
When that happens, it’s more than just a crowding issue. Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can lead to:
And in some cases, they’re completely asymptomatic—until they’re not.
You might be thinking, “If they don’t hurt, why remove them?” Fair question. The thing is, problems can develop quietly and gradually. Even if you don’t feel pain now, wisdom teeth can shift suddenly or trap bacteria, leading to infections or cysts down the line.
Here are the most common reasons dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth:
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), about 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need removal. So, yes—it’s more a matter of “when” than “if.”
Okay, let’s talk about the actual process—because once you understand what’s involved, it’s a lot less intimidating.
Here’s a general outline of how things go:
Your dentist will take digital X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on this, they’ll recommend whether removal is necessary now or if it can wait.
Depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the case, you might receive local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or even oral sedation. Most patients report feeling little to no pain—just pressure.
If the tooth is impacted, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum and possibly remove a bit of bone to access the tooth. It may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The site is then cleaned and stitched if necessary.
Expect swelling and mild discomfort for a few days, especially if multiple teeth were removed. Soft foods, ice packs, and rest are your best friends here. Most people return to normal activities within 3–5 days.
Taking action before issues arise can be a smart preventive move. Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps:
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports early evaluation and removal to prevent potential complications, especially before the roots fully develop, which makes healing faster and smoother.
If your wisdom teeth are coming in straight, pain-free, and fully erupted, your dentist may suggest keeping an eye on them. However, regular checkups are essential to ensure they’re not quietly causing issues beneath the surface.
The truth is, leaving wisdom teeth alone can be a gamble. And like most things in dentistry, the sooner you address a potential problem, the easier and less costly it is to fix.
Wisdom teeth might seem harmless at first—but for many, they’re ticking time bombs waiting to create chaos in your mouth. Whether they’re already causing discomfort or lurking under the gums without symptoms, it’s worth having them professionally evaluated.
Ready to find out if your wisdom teeth are ready for the exit door? Contact Smart Dental in Richland, WA at 509-492-2051 to schedule your consultation and protect your smile from future trouble.
