If My Wisdom Teeth Aren't Bothering Me, Why Do They Need To Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth, the hallmarks of dental maturity, don’t always announce their arrival with pain, but their presence can forecast a storm of dental issues. 

If you’re wondering why your dentist recommends removing those late arrivals even though they’re not causing problems right now, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequent questions we hear at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants. 

Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith have many years of experience dealing with wisdom teeth in all of their stages. We can shed some light on these late bloomers and explain why proactivity often trumps complacency in oral health management.

What are wisdom teeth?

Sitting at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last to the party. They generally appear in your late teens to mid-20s, ages often associated with gaining wisdom.

When do they typically emerge?

Unlike the well-timed arrival of their dental brethren, wisdom teeth have an unpredictable emergence. Some may greet the world in adolescence, some may lurk beneath the gums into adulthood, and others may never surface.

Why do they often cause problems?

Many people don’t have the jaw space to accommodate these latecomers, so these teeth force their way in at whatever angle possible. Often, they become impacted or trapped beneath the gum surface if they can't push through.

Potential problems with wisdom teeth

Not all wisdom teeth present symptoms, but beneath the calm gums, trouble could be brewing:

Crowding and misalignment

Engaging in a silent battle for space, they may force neighboring teeth into a tight corner, leading to alignment issues.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Trapped in limbo, they’re a breeding ground for infection and can unleash a cascade of gum disease and decay.

Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease

Partially emerged molars can be hard to clean, inviting bacteria to the feast and leaving other teeth vulnerable to decay.

The importance of early removal

Banishing these sleeping giants early can be a strategic move in the game of oral health. Here’s the three-pronged answer to your burning question: If my wisdom teeth aren’t bothering me, why do they need to be removed? It’s because early removal of your wisdom teeth:

• Is easier with fewer complications and a clear field  
• Prevents future complications, saving you from pain and extensive treatment down the line
• Means easier recovery because younger tissues heal faster

Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?

The second most frequent question we hear about wisdom teeth removal is: Will it hurt? 

Amid whispers of fear and folklore around wisdom teeth extraction, Dr. Sweidan sets the record straight.

First, the horror stories are just tales. Modern dentistry has transformed removal into a routine and straightforward process. The procedure is over in less than an hour, and we use sedation to keep you comfortable. 

Second, we thoroughly explain the procedure and demystify the experience to reduce your anxiety and fear of the unknown. 

Third, we’re trained professionals with the expertise to ensure your safety and comfort, making complications rare.

The absence of pain may make wisdom teeth seem like harmless stowaways beneath the surface, but they could slowly undermine the very foundation of your oral health. Armed with the knowledge that what you can’t feel can still harm you, you can make a wise decision for your future oral health by considering elective removal of your wisdom teeth.

Call us at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington or Slidell, Louisiana, to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, or contact us online to request a consultation.