Let’s be honest; no one really wants to have their wisdom teeth removed. But when they start causing problems (or are about to), taking them out can save you a lot of future pain, both literal and otherwise.Third molars typically develop around the age of 8 to 15, and erupt between the ages of 17 to 22. As a result of this delayed eruption, mandibular third molars are often impacted, with 17 to 69% presenting with some degree of impaction.1
At Albion Family Dental, we see a lot of patients with questions about third molar extraction, which is just a formal way of saying “getting your wisdom teeth out.” So here’s our take on when it’s necessary, what to expect, and how we help patients get through it with as little stress as possible.
First, What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars; the last set of molars to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. For some people, they come in straight and settle in just fine. But for others, they:
- Come in at an angle
- Get stuck halfway through (impacted)
- Crowd or damage neighboring teeth
- Cause gum irritation, swelling, or infection
That’s when it’s time to talk about removal.
How Do I Know If Mine Need to Come Out?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. But we’ll usually recommend it if:
- There’s not enough room in your jaw to fit them comfortably
- They’re causing pain or inflammation
- They’re putting pressure on nearby teeth
- X-rays show they’re coming in sideways or partially trapped under the gum
- They’re hard to keep clean and are likely to develop decay
Sometimes we catch these issues during a routine dental exam in Albion, even before symptoms start. That’s one of the reasons why regular checkups matter; especially for teens and young adults.
Timing Matters
It’s often easier to remove wisdom teeth earlier rather than later; ideally before the roots are fully formed. That’s why we usually evaluate them during the late teen years, even if they haven’t broken through the gums yet.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and still have yours, that’s okay too. As long as they’re healthy, aligned, and easy to keep clean, we may not need to do anything. But if something changes, we’ll walk you through your options.
What to Expect During the Process
Depending on the complexity, wisdom tooth removal might be done by your general dentist in Albion, or we may refer you to an oral surgeon for more involved cases (like deeply impacted teeth or removal of all four at once).
If we’re managing it here, here’s the general flow:
- We’ll numb the area so you don’t feel pain
- The tooth is gently loosened and removed
- Stitches may be placed to help the area heal
You’ll be sent home with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to keep the site clean, what to eat, and what to avoid while you heal.
Recovery Tips
Most patients bounce back in a few days. Here are a few things we suggest for a smoother recovery:
- Stick with soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies
- Avoid using straws (it can disturb healing)
- Keep up with gentle brushing, but avoid the extraction site
- Use cold compresses to help with swelling
- Get some rest: your body will do the rest
We’ll also let you know when to return for a follow-up, if needed.
What If I Don’t Take Them Out?
It depends on your situation. Some people go their whole lives with their wisdom teeth and never have an issue. But if there’s crowding, infection risk, or other red flags, leaving them in could lead to:
- Pain or swelling
- Cavities in neighboring teeth
- Gum infections or cysts
- Shifting of your bite or alignment
It’s one of those things where prevention is often easier (and less expensive) than fixing damage later.
Let’s Talk About Your Wisdom Teeth
If you or your teen has been told it’s time to take a look at those third molars, we’re happy to help. Whether you’re already having symptoms or just want a second opinion, we’ll take X-rays, talk through your options, and give you honest guidance.
📞 Call Albion Family Dental at 585-589-9044 or schedule online to speak with a family dentist near me who knows when wisdom teeth need to come out—and when they don’t.
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