If you’ve been told you have wisdom teeth—or you’ve started to feel discomfort in the back of your mouth—you might be wondering: Do I have to get them removed? The short answer is: not always. At Reflections Dental Care, our experienced team of general dentists in OKC helps patients evaluate whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary based on their individual dental health.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, from when they become a problem to how to decide whether you should have them removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults have four wisdom teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom.
Because they’re the last to emerge, wisdom teeth often struggle to find space in the mouth, leading to a variety of issues. Some people never develop wisdom teeth at all, while others may have one, two, three, or all four.
When Wisdom Teeth Become a Problem
While it’s possible for wisdom teeth to grow in normally and never cause issues, this is the exception rather than the rule. In many cases, wisdom teeth:
- Grow in at an angle
- Get trapped under the gums (impacted)
- Push against other teeth, causing crowding or pain
- Lead to swelling, infections, or cavities
Here are some signs your wisdom teeth might need attention:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your jaw
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Repeated infections near the molars
Do You Always Have to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
No, you don’t always need to remove wisdom teeth. In fact, removal is unnecessary if they:
- Erupt fully
- Are healthy and cavity-free
- Are positioned correctly
- Can be properly cleaned during regular brushing and flossing
In such cases, your general dentist in OKC may recommend monitoring them rather than removing them.
However, most wisdom teeth eventually lead to issues—especially when they’re impacted or only partially emerge. That’s why preventive removal is often advised to avoid pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth down the road.
In these cases, preventive removal may be suggested to avoid future complications.
Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Keeping problematic wisdom teeth can lead to:
1. Infections
When wisdom teeth only partially break through the gum, bacteria can easily enter the area, leading to painful infections or abscesses.
2. Crowding
Wisdom teeth may push against your second molars, causing crowding and shifting of other teeth—especially if you’ve had braces.
3. Tooth Decay
Partially erupted or crooked wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them prone to cavities and decay.
4. Cysts or Tumors
In rare cases, untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or tumors that damage the jawbone and nearby teeth.
The Wisdom Teeth Evaluation Process
At Reflections Dental Care, we make it easy to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed. When you visit our office, we’ll:
- Take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth
- Check for crowding, alignment, and impaction
- Discuss any symptoms or concerns you’re experiencing
- Review the pros and cons of removing them now versus waiting
Our goal is to help you make the best decision based on your unique oral health, not just a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
What If Removal is Necessary?
If we determine your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we’ll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for complex cases—or perform the extraction in-house if it suits our expertise.
Here’s what to expect from the process:
- Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable
- Extraction can take between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of teeth and complexity
- Recovery typically takes a few days, with swelling and soreness gradually decreasing
- We’ll provide post-op instructions to promote healing and prevent complications like dry socket
How Early Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
You don’t have to wait until there’s a problem to have your wisdom teeth removed. In fact, it’s often recommended to have them taken out in your late teens or early twenties—before the roots are fully developed, and the bones become denser. This makes recovery quicker and easier.
Trust Reflections Dental Care for Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
At Reflections Dental Care, we believe in proactive, personalized dental care. Our team of experienced dentists in OKC is here to help you understand whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary and what your options are.
Whether you’re experiencing pain or simply want a second opinion, we’ll take the time to explain your situation clearly and honestly. Your comfort and long-term oral health are always our top priorities.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluation Today
Wisdom teeth can become a serious issue if not monitored properly, causing pain, infection, misalignment, and even damage to surrounding teeth. But with the right care, you can prevent these problems before they start.
At Reflections Dental Care, our experienced team understands how to evaluate and manage wisdom teeth with precision and care. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want peace of mind, a thorough evaluation is the best first step.Call us today at (405) 751-4556 to schedule your appointment with a trusted general dentist in OKC. We’ll assess your situation, answer your questions, and help you make the right decision for your oral health.