Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

During your late teens or early 20s, your wisdom teeth (third molars) start to come in. But you don’t actually need them. In fact, wisdom teeth often cause problems. So your dentist might recommend that you get them taken out. Having any tooth removed might sound a bit scary, so we’ll review what to expect. Read on to learn more about wisdom teeth, the problems they can cause, and why most people get them removed.

What are wisdom teeth?

By the time you are 13 years old, all 28 of your adult teeth will likely be in place. But your third molars come later in life, commonly between the ages of 17 and 21. Because the third molars come in later than your other adult teeth, we often refer to them as “wisdom teeth.” But not everyone gets wisdom teeth. About 22% of people never develop them. 

There are different ideas about why only some people have wisdom teeth. It’s likely that these teeth had an evolutionary purpose — to help chew hard, wild foods like raw vegetables, nuts, and meats. 

Should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on a few factors. It’s very possible that your wisdom teeth are just passive bystanders and don’t cause you any issues. But that’s not the case for everyone — 24% of wisdom teeth get “impacted,” which means they don’t poke out through the gums. And even if they do come through, they may come in at the far back of the mouth or at an angle. Due to their location, it can also be hard to keep them clean. 

For these reasons, dentists often recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. Plus, wisdom teeth may cause issues such as: 

• Pain or swelling

• Tooth decay, cavities, or difficulty with oral hygiene 

• Gum disease 

• Disruption or damage of other teeth and overcrowding

• Cysts in the jawbone

Your dentist will do an exam and X-rays in order to evaluate if you should have your wisdom teeth removed. So you can make an informed decision, you’ll have a discussion with your dentist and address the following questions:

• Are your wisdom teeth causing pain or tooth damage?

• Are your wisdom teeth affecting other healthy teeth?

• Does your mouth or jaw have enough space for wisdom teeth to grow in?

• Will your wisdom teeth cause problems with your teeth or jaw later on?

• Will you be able to clean your wisdom teeth and prevent tooth decay?

• What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal?

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

In many cases, if you have dental insurance, it’ll cover the removal of wisdom teeth. But plans vary, so check with your insurance for your specific cost. If you don’t have insurance, you may be able to find a low-cost or sliding-scale dental clinic. There may also be a nearby dental school that provides low-cost dental care.

What to expect when getting your wisdom teeth pulled

Like any procedure, removing wisdom teeth comes with discomfort and risks. It’s important to be prepared for what to expect during and after the procedure.

Preparation

Before the day of your wisdom tooth removal, make sure you’ve discussed all your questions and concerns with your oral surgeon. You’ll want to review any medications or supplements you take and check if you’ll need to stop taking any before the removal. It’s also a good idea to stock up on some over-the-counter-pain medications as well as soft foods like smoothies, applesauce, and popsicles. 

During the procedure

You will have anesthesia for the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the extraction. You will be awake for it, but the care team will numb your teeth and the surrounding area. Some people may need additional sedation, such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or intravenous (IV) medication. The procedure usually takes less than 1 hour.

Recovery

You’ll be able to go home after your wisdom tooth removal. In the first few days, it’s normal to have pain, swelling, and some light bleeding where the wisdom teeth were removed. You might have a hard time fully opening your mouth. It can also be painful to brush your teeth, so you’ll want to avoid brushing the area where the teeth were removed. Most symptoms will get better in the first few days after the surgery, but it might take up to 6 weeks to feel completely healed. 

Bleeding after wisdom teeth removal should be no more than a light ooze for a few hours to a few days after surgery. It’s normal to have some blood-tinged drool for a day or two. If you notice fresh red blood in your mouth beyond the second day, contact your dentist immediately. 

Swelling should also ease after the first 2 to 3 days. If you experience new or continued swelling, pain, fever, pus draining from your tooth socket, or a bad taste in your mouth, these are all signs you could have an infection. You’ll need to contact your dentist for urgent assessment.

Good foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal

It can be hard to chew the foods you normally eat right after you get your wisdom teeth removed. You’ll want to eat soft foods and liquids as you recover, for example:

• Smoothies

• Soups

• Mashed potatoes

• Applesauce

• Oatmeal

• Ice cream

• Yogurt

You can slowly add foods back into your diet as you start to feel better. The recovery process is different for everyone, so you’ll want to take it one step at a time and pay attention to what works best for you.

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Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a focus on chronic care management, women’s health, and mental health. She’s the co-author of “Open Heart: When Open-Heart Surgery Becomes Your Best Option.”.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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