Wisdom teeth—also called third molars—usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they come in quietly and never cause trouble. For many others, they don’t. Knowing when to remove a wisdom tooth can save you from pain, infection, and long-term dental issues.
Here’s a simple way to understand when removal is the right choice.
1. When There Is Pain or Repeated Discomfort
Persistent pain at the back of the jaw is the most common sign. It may start as a dull ache and turn sharp while chewing or opening the mouth. Pain often means the tooth doesn’t have enough space to erupt properly.
2. When the Tooth Is Impacted
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is stuck under the gum or growing at an angle. This can:
Press against nearby teeth
Damage roots of adjacent molars
Create pockets where bacteria collect
Even if there’s no pain yet, impacted teeth are often removed to prevent future complications.
3. When there Is Swelling or Infection
Red, swollen gums, bad breath that doesn’t go away, or pus near the tooth are signs of infection (pericoronitis). In such cases, medication may give temporary relief, but removal is usually the permanent solution.
4. When It Causes Cavities or Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean due to their position. Food and bacteria easily get trapped, leading to:
- Cavities in the wisdom tooth
- Cavities in the neighbouring tooth
- Gum disease in that area
If proper cleaning isn’t possible, extraction is advised.
5. When It Affects Alignment or Orthodontic Treatment
For patients who have had braces or aligner treatment, erupting wisdom teeth can create pressure and disturb alignment. Dentists often recommend removing them as a preventive step
6. When X-Rays Show Future Risk
Sometimes wisdom teeth don’t hurt—but dental X-rays reveal cyst formation, bone damage, or risky positioning. Early removal in such cases is easier and heals faster than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Is It Necessary to Remove All Wisdom Teeth?
No. If a wisdom tooth is:
- Fully erupted
- Properly aligned
- Easy to clean
- Completely pain-free
It may not need removal. Each case is individual and should be evaluated clinically and radiographically.
The Right Time Matters
Removing wisdom teeth earlier—before roots fully develop—often means:
- Simpler procedure
- Faster healing
- Fewer complications
That’s why Dr. Pankti the best dentist in Ahmedabad sometimes recommends removal even before major symptoms start.
Why choose Teeth Care Centre for tooth removal in Ahmedabad?
Teeth Care Centre (TCC) has an MDS – Best Oral Surgeon in Ahmedabad to perform surgeries according to various complexities. With the continuous advancement in the latest technology, TCC uses painless injection; laser for minimum invasive tooth extraction surgeries and stringent 7 step sterilization protocol that meets ADA and CDC guidelines. We impart nitrous conscious sedation for calm and comfortable tooth extraction as the patient’s ease and comfort are our utmost priority.
Wisdom tooth removal isn’t about age—it’s about position, symptoms, and future risk. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or repeated discomfort at the back of your mouth, or if Dr. Pankti has flagged a concern on X-ray, it’s the right time to consider removal.
A timely decision today can prevent a bigger dental problem tomorrow.