Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
With age comes wisdom. Specifically, wisdom teeth.
Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.
No. Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth, and not all of them need removal. The decision depends on their position, their health, their effect on neighboring teeth, and whether they can be cleaned and monitored.
What does an impacted wisdom tooth mean?
An impacted tooth has not fully come in to a usable position. Examination and appropriate imaging show its position and how it relates to nearby teeth, nerves and bone. Some impacted teeth cause few noticeable symptoms, so how a tooth feels is only part of the assessment.
When might a wisdom tooth need removal?
Reasons can include decay that can't reasonably be restored, repeated infection, damage to a neighboring tooth, gum disease or a cyst. Other dental treatment planning may also affect the decision. Discuss the expected benefit, alternatives, risks and recovery with the clinician who will perform the procedure.
Can I keep healthy wisdom teeth?
Sometimes. Teeth that stay need cleaning and ongoing monitoring. Ask how to reach the area with your brush and an interdental cleaner, and mention food trapping, swelling or difficulty opening your mouth. A dental examination can help tell a wisdom-tooth problem apart from other causes of pain.
Should taste changes determine whether I remove a wisdom tooth?
No. One study reported changes in taste after wisdom tooth removal, and you can read our summary of that taste research. A finding like that doesn't establish that removal is needed for you. The decision should rest on the tooth's health, the examination findings, and the benefits and risks of the proposed treatment. Tell your clinician about any existing taste changes, numbness or concerns before deciding.
What symptoms should prompt a call?
Call for increasing pain, swelling or trouble opening your mouth. Rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or other severe symptoms need urgent medical attention. Our emergency dental care page explains how to contact the office about a dental problem.
Where can you discuss wisdom teeth in Jacksonville?
Our office is on Hendricks Avenue near San Marco. An examination can identify the problem and the appropriate next steps, including referral when needed. Bring recent dental X-rays if you have them. Contact our office at 904-398-1549 to discuss your concerns.
Sources
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Wisdom teeth.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.