Dental
Why “Fine” Isn’t Always Fine: The Hidden Dangers of Wisdom Teeth
Jan 19, 2026
“But they don’t hurt!”
This is the most common response we hear when we hear when we suggest removing wisdom teeth that haven’t caused any pain yet.
It’s a fair point- why fix what isn’t broken and painful?
However, in the world of dentistry, waiting for pain often mean waiting until damage has already been done.
The Problem with Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
When we say a tooth is impacted, we mean it is blocked from entering the mouth fully. It might be stuck against another tooth, bone or gum tissue. Even if you feel no pain, impacted teeth are notoriously difficult to clean, especially the partially erupt ones.
Because your toothbrush and floss cannot reach the wisdom teeth properly, bacteria thrive there. We frequently see patients who come in with ZERO pain, only for us to detect deep cavities and/or extensive bone loss on the back of their healthy second molars. This increases chance of losing healthy second molars as well, which you need for healthy chewing and eating!
Why Early Removal of Wisdom Teeth is Better:
There is a ‘sweet spot’ for removing wisdom teeth, typically between the ages of 16 and 30.
Softer bone density At this age, jaw bone surrounding the tooth roots is softer, making removal easier and less invasive
Immature root formation: The tooth roots are not fully formed, making removal easier and also less invasive.
Less risk of numbness: All wisdom teeth removal bears risk of numbness to lower lip and chin due to proximity of root apices to the inferior alveolar nerve. However, with early removal of wisdom teeth, this risk of numbness is lower as the root apices are often further away from the nerve.
Faster recovery: Young, healthy patients heal significantly faster, with a lower risk of surgical complications.
Proactive is Better than Reactive!
Why Choose 5000 Yonge Smiles, North York for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We can walk you through the process and make it a seamless experience. At 5000 Yonge Smiles @North York, we have expertise in wisdom teeth removal. We can make the process comfortable and efficient. Call us today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a healthier, pain-free smile!