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Wisdom Teeth: Why Does My Dentist Say I Need to Have Them Extracted?

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Why Does My Dentist Say I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

If your dentist has recommended wisdom tooth removal, you might be wondering—why now, especially if nothing hurts? Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing pain at the moment, extracting them can protect your long-term oral health and prevent future complications.

Let’s take a closer look at the top reasons why our team at Hart Family Dentistry in Marietta, GA, recommends wisdom tooth extraction, even when symptoms are subtle or absent.

1. Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Impacted

Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow in properly. This can lead to impaction, where the teeth remain trapped under the gums or grow at an angle, pressing into neighboring teeth.

Common issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Swelling in the gums
  • Infections or abscesses
  • Cysts or damage to adjacent teeth

Even if you don’t currently feel pain, impacted wisdom teeth can silently damage your smile over time. Learn how we treat impacted teeth and oral infections.

2. They Can Cause Crowding and Shifting

Your mouth might not have space to accommodate extra molars. When wisdom teeth start pushing through, they can disrupt your existing teeth, leading to:

  • Bite misalignment
  • Shifting of straightened teeth
  • Increased orthodontic relapse risk

If you’ve worn braces or clear aligners, preserving that perfect smile is a top priority. Prevent crowding with early wisdom tooth evaluation. Explore our preventative dental services.

3. Higher Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to clean due to their location at the back of your mouth. This increases the chances of:

  • Tooth decay – Food and bacteria often collect in unreachable areas
  • Gum disease – Inflammation, bleeding, and even periodontal disease can occur

Removing wisdom teeth can help you maintain healthy gums and reduce the risk of serious oral infections. Discover our general and periodontal care options.

4. They May Trigger Infections or Cysts

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create gum pockets where bacteria thrive. This environment is ideal for infections or even cyst formation, which can damage:

  • Nearby tooth roots
  • Jawbone
  • Nerve tissues

Avoid long-term damage by staying ahead of infection risk.

5. Early Removal Means Easier Recovery

Many Marietta-area teens and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed as a preventive measure. Why?

  • The sooner the extraction, the simpler the procedure
  • Younger patients heal faster, with fewer complications
  • Avoiding future emergencies means fewer disruptions to your life

Our dentists often recommend a proactive approach to protect your health and save you time and discomfort later on.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not always. If your wisdom teeth:

  • Have fully erupted
  • Are properly aligned
  • Can be cleaned easily
  • Aren’t causing pain or crowding

Then your dentist may recommend monitoring instead of removal. At Hart Family Dentistry, we use advanced X-rays and imaging to assess your wisdom teeth over time and make personalized recommendations.

Ready to Evaluate Your Wisdom Teeth?

If you’re unsure whether you need your wisdom teeth removed, a visit to Hart Family Dentistry in Marietta, GA can help provide clarity. Wisdom tooth extraction is often a preventive step to preserve your smile and oral health for years to come.

👉 Call us at 770.926.8371 or Book an Appointment Online!