Wisdom Teeth
Healthy wisdom teeth? Yes, it is possible, but very rare.
That’s why the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) recommends that wisdom teeth be evaluated for removal before they cause problems.
With the hidden risks and serious health problems wisdom teeth can cause, proactive removal is the best way to protect yourself and your smile.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and emerge in the back of the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25 behind your second molars. While some wisdom teeth may successfully surface in the back of the mouth, some remain stuck below the gum tissue.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
When wisdom teeth are unable to fully break through the gum tissue, they are considered impacted. Wisdom teeth can be partially impacted if part of the tooth surfaces in the mouth, or completely impacted if they remain totally covered by bone and are unlikely to surface.
Impacted wisdom teeth are extremely common, with 9 of 10 people having at least one impacted wisdom tooth. There is simply not enough room for them to fit into your dental arch. And unfortunately, complications from the size and position of impacted wisdom teeth are also common.
4 Reasons to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
When it comes to wisdom teeth, pain free doesn’t necessarily mean problem free. Here are the top four reasons to proactively remove your wisdom teeth even before they become a problem.
1. Hygiene & Oral Health
If your wisdom teeth are partially or fully erupted in the back of your mouth, it can be extremely difficult to effectively brush and floss to keep them clean. Food and bacteria get caught under the gums, causing pain, infection, inflammation, and cavities. Gum disease associated with wisdom teeth may lead to receding gum tissue, tooth loss, and even deterioration of the jawbone.
2. Damage to Other Teeth
Due to limited space in the back of the mouth and the size of the wisdom teeth, when they emerge they often cause crowding, shifting, and misalignment of the nearby teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause damage to the neighboring teeth and their roots under the gumline, putting your healthy teeth at risk.
3. Greater Health Risks
Once inflammation from wisdom teeth takes hold, it can easily spread to other teeth and into the neck and airway. Infection and inflammation from impacted teeth can lead to the development of cysts and tumors around the affected teeth in the jawbone. And when inflammation enters the bloodstream, it can contribute to the development or advancement of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
4. Your Peace of Mind
Wisdom teeth provide little to no functional benefit but carry a high risk of complications. Even without pain, hidden issues can develop and turn into urgent problems. Removing them proactively helps protect your long-term oral health and eliminates the worry of sudden dental emergencies or costly treatments. For many patients, it’s a simple way to safeguard their smile and enjoy lasting peace of mind.
Personalized Care & Quality Wisdom Teeth Services
Thousands of people across the Carolinas have trusted the experienced oral surgeons at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery to make wisdom teeth treatment easy, gentle, and stress-free. Learn more about our wisdom teeth services.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Prevent crowding, pain, and future complications with expert wisdom tooth removal in a safe, supportive setting. We utilize advanced imaging and techniques to ensure a smooth recovery.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Protect your smile and avoid the pain and complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Using gentle techniques, our oral surgeons make removal easy and stress-free, with anesthesia options to keep you comfortable every step of the way.
Tooth Extractions
If a tooth extraction is necessary to improve your oral health or bring you closer to your dream smile, our oral surgeons offer both simple and surgical tooth extraction options tailored to your needs.
Anesthesia & Pain Relief
Anesthesia and pain control isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be. You can count on us to take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and help you feel at ease before, during, and after surgery.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons: Your Wisdom Teeth Experts
Wisdom teeth removal, including the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, is the most common surgical procedure our oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform.
With years of specialized training beyond dental school on the complexities of the teeth, gums, nerves, and muscles of the face and mouth, oral surgeons are best qualified for the safe and comfortable removal of wisdom teeth.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also specially trained, licensed, and experienced in the administration of local and IV anesthesia. Based on your removal plan, your surgeon will discuss the different anesthesia options with you to decide which option is right for you, such as staying awake with local anesthesia or resting comfortably with IV sedation.
Carolina’s Choice for Wisdom Teeth Management
We make wisdom teeth care easier and safer for you. At CCOFS, you can expect:
Personalized Care
Every patient receives a custom treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Comfort & Convenience
Easy scheduling, compassionate staff, and support from consultation through recovery.
Advanced Surgical Centers
Fully equipped surgical suites at 20+ locations across the Carolinas, offering multiple anesthesia options.
Clear Costs & Insurance Help
Upfront pricing, insurance assistance, and flexible financing to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
The Right Age to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
While there is no right or wrong age to have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s generally recommended during the late teen and young adult years.
In your early teenage years, prior to age 15, removal is typically only advised if there are issues that require intervention, like infection, cysts, or early crowding of adjacent teeth. Waiting until around age 16 ensures the roots are developed enough for easier access and removal.
If you are under 25 years of age, surgery to remove wisdom teeth is typically uneventful. The frequency of complications is low, and recovery is shorter. Most young adults resume normal activities in just three to five days.
The longer you wait into adulthood, the more likely you are to have problems with your wisdom teeth and more complex removal. As wisdom teeth develop, their roots continue to grow longer, entangling with the sensory nerves and potentially damaging the surrounding jawbone and maxillary sinus. During this time, the jawbone also becomes more dense around the roots, making removal more complex and prone to complications.
How Wisdom Teeth Impact Braces
Braces are designed to carefully guide your teeth into proper alignment. When wisdom teeth start to erupt, they can create unwanted pressure and shifting, leading to:
- Crowding of the front teeth
- Movement of teeth that were previously straightened
- Pressure on surrounding teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort
To avoid these issues, orthodontists may recommend evaluating wisdom teeth before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal & Braces
Based on your age and orthodontic progress, your orthodontist and oral surgeon will review the position of your wisdom teeth to guide the timing for removal. In general:
- Before Braces
If wisdom teeth are already visible on digital scans or imaging and likely to cause problems, removing them before starting orthodontic treatment can create space for proper tooth alignment. - During Braces
If wisdom teeth begin to emerge mid-treatment, your care team will determine if removal is needed to keep your treatment on track. - After Braces
Oftentimes wisdom teeth removal happens after the braces come off to maintain alignment and prevent future shifting.