Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Not all wisdom teeth have to go. Here’s how to tell whether yours need removing — or can safely stay put.
The short answer
Not necessarily. Wisdom teeth only need to come out when they’re causing a problem or clearly will — most often when they’re impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), painful, crowding or damaging neighboring teeth, repeatedly getting infected, or impossible to keep clean because they’re only partially erupted.
If a wisdom tooth has come in fully, bites normally, and you can clean it well, it can often stay. The right answer comes from an exam and an X-ray that show how the teeth are positioned.
When wisdom teeth usually should be removed
- They’re impacted — stuck sideways or trapped under the gum or bone
- They’re causing pain, pressure, or recurring gum infections
- They’re crowding or pushing on the teeth in front of them
- They’re only partially erupted, leaving a flap that traps food and bacteria
- Decay or gum disease is developing around them because they can’t be cleaned well
- A cyst or damage to the neighboring tooth shows up on X-ray
When they can often stay
A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted, lines up with your bite, has healthy gums around it, and can be brushed and flossed like any other tooth doesn’t automatically need to go. In that case we usually just monitor it at your checkups.
The old advice to remove every wisdom tooth “just in case” has softened — the decision today is based on your specific X-rays and symptoms, not a blanket rule.
What removal and recovery are like
A straightforward wisdom tooth is removed under local anesthesia in a routine visit. More complex or deeply impacted teeth — especially lower ones close to the nerve — are referred to a trusted oral surgeon, which is the safest route for those cases.
Recovery for most people is a few days of swelling and tenderness managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relief, plus soft foods and careful cleaning. We give you clear aftercare instructions and are a phone call away if anything comes up.
See a dentist soon if you have
- Pain, swelling, or a bad taste around a back tooth
- A gum flap over a partly-erupted wisdom tooth that keeps getting sore
- Pressure or shifting in your other teeth
- A wisdom tooth you simply can’t keep clean
How we can help
If any of this sounds like what you’re dealing with, the fastest way to real peace of mind is a quick exam. We’ll tell you exactly what’s going on and lay out your options — and the fees — clearly before we start anything. We accept many dental insurance plans and file your claims as a courtesy; see our Insurance page for the plans we accept. We keep time open for same and next-day emergencies when you need us.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
When removal is needed, the late teens to early twenties is often easiest — the roots aren’t fully formed and healing tends to be quicker. But there’s no magic deadline; if a wisdom tooth is healthy and problem-free, age alone isn’t a reason to remove it.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
The tooth is numbed, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, expect a few days of soreness and swelling that over-the-counter pain relief and ice usually handle well. We’ll go over exactly what to expect beforehand.
Can you remove wisdom teeth at Highmark, or do I need an oral surgeon?
We remove many wisdom teeth right here in our Jonesboro office. For complex or deeply impacted cases — particularly lower teeth near the nerve — we refer you to a trusted oral surgeon, because that’s the safest care for those situations.
What happens if I leave impacted wisdom teeth alone?
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, repeated infections, decay or gum disease on the neighboring tooth, crowding, and occasionally cysts. If yours are impacted or causing trouble, it’s worth having them evaluated rather than waiting for a flare-up.
Keep reading
Still not sure? We’re glad to help.
A quick call or visit beats guessing. Dr. Skiba will give you a straight answer and a clear plan — with no pressure.