Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never experience problems, many patients eventually develop issues that require treatment. One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Do I really need to remove my wisdom teeth?”
According to Dr. Soma Lari, board-certified periodontist at Foothill Dental Specialty, the answer is often yes—especially when wisdom teeth begin affecting the health of neighboring teeth and gums.
In Dr. Lari’s experience, wisdom teeth are frequently associated with dental problems that develop later in life. Many patients don’t notice any symptoms in their twenties, but by their forties or fifties, they begin experiencing complications around the wisdom tooth.
During routine periodontal examinations, Dr. Lari commonly finds that wisdom teeth are associated with:
Because wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth, they are often difficult to clean properly. This allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay.
One of the biggest concerns is the effect wisdom teeth can have on your periodontal health.
Even when the wisdom tooth itself isn’t painful, bacteria around the area can lead to chronic inflammation, infection, and bone loss around the adjacent tooth. In many cases, the healthy second molar—not the wisdom tooth—is the tooth that ultimately suffers the damage.
This is one reason Dr. Lari often recommends removing wisdom teeth before they create long-term periodontal problems.
Many patients believe they only need to remove wisdom teeth if they’re causing pain.
However, pain isn’t always the first sign of a problem.
By the time symptoms appear, infection, gum disease, or cavities may already be affecting the surrounding teeth. Regular dental examinations and X-rays help identify these issues before they become more serious.
Many people assume wisdom tooth extraction is always a complicated surgical procedure that requires IV sedation.
Dr. Lari explains that this is one of the biggest misconceptions patients have.
In many cases, wisdom tooth removal is a straightforward procedure performed with local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the tooth can often be removed quickly and comfortably.
While some impacted wisdom teeth require surgical removal or sedation, many extractions are much simpler than patients expect.
If multiple wisdom teeth require extraction, many patients choose to have them removed during a single appointment.
According to Dr. Lari, completing treatment at one visit is often more convenient because it allows patients to go through one recovery period instead of several separate procedures.
Ultimately, the decision depends on each patient’s comfort level, treatment plan, and overall health.
Wisdom teeth may not seem like a concern today, but they can become a source of infection, gum disease, and damage to neighboring teeth over time.
If your dentist or periodontist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, it’s often because they’re trying to prevent future complications—not simply treat existing ones.
At Foothill Dental Specialty, Dr. Soma Lari uses comprehensive periodontal evaluations and digital imaging to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is the right choice for your long-term oral health. Early evaluation can help protect your gums, preserve nearby teeth, and prevent more extensive treatment in the future.
Not every wisdom tooth requires extraction. However, Dr. Lari frequently recommends removing wisdom teeth when they contribute to gum disease, infections, cavities, or damage to neighboring teeth.
Yes. Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they can trap bacteria and plaque, increasing the risk of gum inflammation, deep periodontal pockets, and infection.
Most wisdom tooth extractions are performed using local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Many patients find the experience much easier than they expected.
Not necessarily. As Dr. Lari explains, many wisdom teeth can be removed with local anesthesia alone. Sedation is available for more complex cases or for patients with dental anxiety.
Many patients choose to have all necessary wisdom teeth removed during one visit to complete treatment and recovery at the same time. Your dentist will help determine the best approach based on your individual needs.
A comprehensive dental exam and digital X-rays can identify cavities, gum disease, infections, or bone loss around wisdom teeth—even before symptoms develop.
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