Can I keep wisdom teeth? Short answer: sometimes. Many people keep their wisdom teeth without trouble, but others need removal to avoid pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. This guide explains how dentists decide whether you can safely keep them, red flags to watch for, what surgery and recovery look like, and how New Smile Now evaluates wisdom teeth.
How to know: can i keep wisdom teeth
Dentists decide by doing an exam and imaging. A visual check, probing the gum, and dental X-rays or a CT scan show position, bone support, and any hidden problems. If teeth are straight, healthy, and easy to clean, you may not need extraction. If imaging shows impaction, decay, or cysts, removal is often best.
Signs your wisdom teeth are safe to keep
Fully erupted and aligned
The tooth sits level with your other molars and doesn’t press on neighboring teeth. A good bite and no shifting are good signs.
No pain, infection, or gum pockets
No recurring pain, swelling, bad taste, or deep pockets in the gum around the tooth means the area is healthy.
Accessible for cleaning
You can brush and floss the third molar easily. If food and plaque build up because the tooth is hard to reach, problems can start.
Good bone support and no cysts on imaging
X-rays or CT scans should show solid bone around the root and no radiographic signs of cysts or tumors.
When removal is recommended
Impaction or partial eruption
Teeth trapped under bone or partially covered by gum tissue can cause pain and infection.
Recurrent infection or pericoronitis
If swelling and infection keep coming back, extraction is usually advised.
Damage to adjacent teeth or orthodontic reasons
Wisdom teeth that cause cavities, root resorption of the tooth next to them, or crowding that affects orthodontic results should be removed.
Cysts, tumors, or compromised tooth structure
Any radiographic pathology, large cysts, or a fractured tooth that can’t be fixed warrants extraction.
Risks of keeping problematic wisdom teeth
Keeping bad wisdom teeth can lead to chronic infection, hard-to-treat cavities, cysts, shifting of other teeth, jaw pain, and even TMJ issues. Delaying removal can make surgery more complex later.
What to expect if you need extraction (surgery & recovery)
Evaluation & imaging
Planning often uses X-rays or CT to see tooth position and nerve location so the surgeon can plan safely.
Anesthesia and sedation options
You may have local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on complexity and comfort needs.
Procedure types and timeline
Simple extractions are quick; impacted teeth may need surgical removal. Most people recover in 3–7 days with rest, soft food, and pain control.
Complications and when to call
Watch for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or signs of dry socket. Contact your surgeon if symptoms worsen. Dr. Ryan McCloy handles oral surgery at New Smile Now and will explain risks and recovery plans.
Aftercare and replacement options if teeth are lost
Short-term care includes ice, rest, soft foods, salt rinses when directed, and avoiding straws. If a lost tooth needs replacement, options range from removable prosthetics to implant-supported restorations.
When a replacement is needed
If function or chewing is affected, or long-term bite health is at risk, your surgeon may recommend replacing the tooth.
Implant solutions
For patients considering implants after extraction, Dr. Edward Halusic offers CT-guided implant planning, All-on-4, and implant-supported options to restore function and comfort.
How New Smile Now team approaches wisdom teeth decisions
The New Smile Now team in Greensburg and Monroeville uses a multi-specialist review, CT-guided planning, and full anesthesia options to put safety first. They focus on minimally invasive care and clear patient communication.
Next steps
Bring any recent X-rays, note how often you have pain or swelling, and list medications. Ask about imaging, anesthesia, and recovery time. To find out if you can keep your wisdom teeth, schedule a consult with New Smile Now to review your exam and imaging.