Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed When Pain-Free?

Age 30 is a significant milestone in many people's lives, but it often brings challenges such as the potential need to extract horizontally impacted wisdom teeth. This guide aims to provide clarity on whether wisdom teeth should be removed, even when no pain is initially present.

Expert Guidance from the NHS

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which provides guidelines for the NHS, surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth should be limited to patients with evidence of pathology. NICE has outlined specific criteria that include:

Unrestorable caries Non-treatable pulpal and/or periapical pathology Cellulitis, abscess, or osteomyelitis Internal or external resorption of the tooth or adjacent teeth Fracture of the tooth Disease of the follicle, including cysts or tumours Tooth or teeth impeding surgery or reconstructive jaw surgery A tooth involved in or within the field of tumour resection

This guidance suggests that wisdom teeth with no evidence of pathology can remain in place, but the key is to evaluate the specific condition of each individual case.

Delayed Removal Can Be Difficult

It's often advised by dentists that wisdom teeth should be removed before they cause issues, as extraction becomes more complex and recovery longer with age. Delaying the removal of impacted wisdom teeth means increased discomfort and slower recovery periods, as they can become worse over time. If you are considering the removal of your impacted wisdom teeth, keep in mind that it could be quite painful and may require extended healing time.

Preventive Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Even if your wisdom teeth do not cause pain, they can still lead to future dental issues such as infections, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth. Many dentists recommend the removal of impacted wisdom teeth as a preventive measure. However, if no pain is present, it’s important to seek a second opinion from another dentist or an oral surgeon to evaluate your specific case and determine the benefits and risks.

A Personal Experience

One individual's experience highlights the importance of proactive dental care. Despite the wisdom tooth not causing pain, it was challenging to clean and became a source of discomfort. Multiple dentists initially ignored the issue, but eventually, a dedicated dentist recognized the potential problem and suggested extraction. The process involved removing a tooth that was primarily a hollow cavity, as the nerve had been dead for years.

Post-extraction, the individual noticed positive changes in their upper jaw alignment. Over several weeks, the upper jaw realigned, and a constant dull ache that was previously present disappeared. The dental flossing issue remained due to the physical space constraints, but the realignment of three flat teeth contributed to a more harmonious bite.

Considering the benefits and risks of wisdom teeth removal is crucial, especially for someone who has not experienced immediate pain. The proactive approach towards dental care can help prevent future complications and improve oral health.

Keywords: wisdom teeth extraction, impacted wisdom teeth, dental pathology