Not everyone deals with wisdom teeth problems. Some people are lucky; their wisdom teeth come in straight, have plenty of room, and cause no issues. But for many of us, those third molars are more trouble than they’re worth. If Dr. Mara has mentioned that you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you probably have questions. Why now? What happens if I wait? Is it really necessary?
At Capital Region Complete Dental Care, we’ve helped plenty of patients through this process. Here’s why wisdom teeth often need to come out, and why addressing them sooner rather than later is usually the smart move.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth. They typically start coming in between the ages of 17 and 25, the “age of wisdom,” which is where they get their name.
Our jaws are smaller than our ancestors’ jaws. We don’t need as many teeth for chewing as we once did. So when wisdom teeth try to squeeze in, there’s often not enough room. That’s when problems start.
The Trouble With Impacted Teeth
When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to come in properly, it becomes impacted. That means it’s stuck beneath the gum line or only partially erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a whole list of issues:
- Pain and swelling in the back of your mouth
- Damage to neighboring teeth, sometimes causing cavities or chips
- Gum disease around the partially erupted tooth, which is hard to keep clean
- Cysts or tumors that can form around the impacted tooth and damage the jawbone
- Crowding that shifts your other teeth out of alignment
Sometimes you won’t feel any pain at all, but damage can still be happening beneath the surface. That’s why regular checkups and X-rays matter. We can spot trouble before it becomes a bigger problem.
Why Waiting Can Make Things Worse
“Can’t I just leave them alone if they’re not bothering me?”
It depends. But wisdom teeth that seem fine in your twenties can become problematic later. As you age, the roots grow longer, and the bone around them gets denser. That makes removal more complicated, and recovery slower, as you get older.
A problem can also flare up at the worst possible time. A sudden infection or swelling doesn’t wait for a convenient moment. Dealing with it proactively is usually easier than reacting to an emergency.
What to Expect During Removal
If you and Dr. Marra decide removal is the right choice, here’s what happens:
- The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia to numb the area, along with sedation options if you’re feeling anxious. Many patients choose sedation and remember very little about the appointment.
- Dr. Marra will carefully remove the wisdom teeth through a small opening in the gum. In some cases, a stitch or two is needed. The whole thing usually takes less than an hour, depending on how many teeth are being removed and how they’re positioned.
- Afterward, you’ll rest at home with some ice packs and soft foods. Most people are back to their normal routine within a few days. We’ll provide recovery details to keep the process smooth.
Get a Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today
Wisdom teeth aren’t always a problem, but when they are, it’s usually better to address them sooner rather than later. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or just want to know where you stand, a quick exam and X-ray can give you a clear answer.
Don’t wait for a toothache to force your hand. Call us at (518) 650-1930 or request an appointment online. We’ll take a look, explain your options, and help you decide what’s best for your smile and your peace of mind.