Wisdom Teeth: Myths, Facts, And When To Consider Removal

By Author: Dr.Samreen Kaur
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Wisdom teeth are the last molars that appear in your late teens or early 20s. For some People, wisdom teeth come in smoothly and don’t cause any problems. Others may have pain, crowding, or infection that makes them need to have their wisdom teeth removed. But with so many myths and misinformation circulating, it’s no wonder one gets confused. Are all wisdom teeth removed? Is pain the only reason for removal? At Winning Smiles Dental Surgery, we often see patients unsure whether they need their wisdom teeth removed. Let’s clear that up.

This blog covers common myths and when wisdom tooth removal may be needed. Whether you’re curious or concerned, we’re here to help. Expect simple, reliable advice you can trust.

Quick Facts About Wisdom Teeth
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They usually grow at the very back of your mouth—two on top and two on the bottom. They’re referred to as “wisdom” teeth because they appear later, between the ages of 17 and 25.

Most people get their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early 20s. The exact timing can vary ...
... from person to person. Some get them early or late, while others may not develop them at all.

Today’s smaller jaw sizes often don’t have enough room to fit extra molars. When there’s not enough space, wisdom teeth may cause crowding, discomfort, infections, or become impacted—often requiring removal. While some people develop all four, others may have only one, two, or none at all.

Myth 1 – Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth
Fact:
Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and that’s completely normal. Genetics largely decide whether you grow all four, some, or none. Studies show that around 20% of people never develop all four wisdom teeth.

Some people have fewer than four, while others have none at all. This natural variation is influenced by your genes and even the size of your jaw.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t appeared, a dental X-ray can check for them. It shows if the teeth are present, developing, or missing below the gumline. It shows if the teeth are present, developing, or missing below the gumline. This helps with planning and deciding if wisdom tooth removal may be needed later.

Myth 2 – Wisdom Teeth Always Need Removal
Fact:
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Although it’s common to have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s not always the case. Your particular situation determines if removal will be necessary.

Wisdom teeth must be removed if they’re impacted or covered by gum. They can also push other teeth, cause decay, or infection. Impacted wisdom teeth hurt adjacent teeth, gums, and jawbone or create cysts. Wisdom tooth extraction in these situations prevents future issues.

You may not need them to be removed if your wisdom teeth are healthy and well-aligned. If they don’t cause pain, infection, or damage, they can stay untouched. Most individuals have their wisdom teeth throughout their entire life without any issues. A dental check-up will make them trouble-free.

Regular check-ups allow monitoring of where and how healthy your wisdom teeth are. X-rays detect hidden issues early on, which will determine if and when you will need your wisdom teeth removed. Early detection at routine check-ups catches the issues before damage and pain can set in. This assists you in making smart choices about your mouth.

Myth 3 – Wisdom Teeth Have No Function
Fact:
Wisdom teeth did have a function. Our ancestors were larger-jawed and had to subsist on a coarse, fibrous diet. They were designed to eat hard foods such as roots, nuts, and raw meat.

Modern milder diets and reduced jaws result in wisdom teeth frequently not being able to fit correctly. This narrow space is able to cause crowding or impaction. Wisdom teeth can serve as regular molars if they erupt straight and healthy.

Whether or not they need to be removed depends on your anatomy. A dentist is able to analyse their location and condition through regular check-ups and X-rays. If there’s no pain, damage, or infection, wisdom tooth extraction is unnecessary.

Myth 4 – Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Pain
Fact:
Wisdom teeth don’t always cause pain. Many people have wisdom teeth that come through without any discomfort or issues. With enough space, straight wisdom teeth can erupt and work normally.

Pain generally implies that something is wrong with your wisdom teeth. Ache can result from impaction, infection, or pressure from adjacent teeth. The conditions will most likely result in swelling, jaw stiffness, and not being able to chew. They generally demand the removal of wisdom teeth.

Even without pain, routine dental examinations of wisdom teeth are necessary. X-rays may aid in keeping track of your wisdom teeth’s growth and location. They detect problems early, before pain or damage starts.

Myth 5 – Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Extremely Painful
Fact:
Most people fear that having wisdom teeth removed will hurt a lot. Through the advanced dental technology they will use, the process has reduced the pain. Dentists now possess better tools and streamlined process protocols to reduce the pain.

Local anaesthesia and sedation relax and pain-free you when the extraction pain-free. You may feel a little pressure but no pain during tooth extraction.

What to Expect During and After Surgery:
The procedure is usually quick and done in one visit.
Local anesthetic or sedation is employed to make you calm.
You can feel pressure but not pain while it is being extracted.
Some mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness is possible for a few days.
Your dentist will give you aftercare advice and pain relief options.

Winning Smiles Dental Surgery provide specialize services that includes dental implants , Pain Free Dentistry & dentist parramatta, clear aligners and braces care. We are proudly the dentist who opens 7 Days and with patient from Parramatta to Blacktown.