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Still Have Your Wisdom Teeth? Here’s Why Waiting Could Be a Painful (and Costly) Mistake

Jul 06, 2025
Young adult holding jaw in discomfort, indicating wisdom tooth pain

Still Have Your Wisdom Teeth? Here’s Why Waiting Could Be a Painful (and Costly) Mistake

Wisdom teeth might sound harmless—but ignoring them can lead to jaw pain, infections, or even emergency dental visits at the worst time.

If you’re between the ages of 16 and 25 and haven’t had your wisdom teeth evaluated, it’s time to act. At Holyoke Family Dental, we help patients make smart decisions about their oral health before problems begin. Whether your wisdom teeth are already causing discomfort or you’re just unsure what to do next, this blog will guide you.

Looking for a trusted dentist in Holyoke, MA? Here’s everything you need to know about wisdom teeth—when to remove them, what to expect, and why early action is the best move.


What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars—the last set of teeth to develop. Most people get them between ages 17 and 25, but not everyone has four. Some have fewer, some more, and some none at all.

Because they erupt last, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to come in properly. This can lead to impaction, crowding, and a host of other problems if not caught early.


How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are a Problem?

It’s not always easy to tell, especially if they haven’t erupted yet. But here are common signs your wisdom teeth may need to come out:

  • Jaw stiffness or pain
  • Sore or swollen gums in the back of your mouth
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully
  • Shifting or crowding of your other teeth
  • Headaches or pressure near the jaw

Even if you're not in pain now, impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth could be silently damaging nearby teeth or bone.

At Holyoke Family Dental, we use advanced imaging to evaluate your wisdom teeth early—before they cause real trouble.


What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that’s blocked from fully erupting due to lack of space or misalignment. This is extremely common with wisdom teeth and can lead to:

  • Gum infections
  • Decay in neighboring teeth
  • Cysts or tumors
  • Jawbone damage
  • Persistent pain or swelling

Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, angled, or even stay completely beneath the gums. Left untreated, they almost always lead to bigger dental problems.


Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

No—but most do. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing any problems, you may not need removal. However, most people don’t have enough room in their mouth to allow wisdom teeth to emerge without issues.

Our dentist in Holyoke, MA, will assess your individual case with X-rays and exams. Removal is typically recommended if:

  • Teeth are impacted or partially erupted
  • There’s visible crowding or pressure
  • You’re experiencing jaw pain or swelling
  • They could interfere with orthodontic treatment
  • Infection or decay is present


Why Remove Them Early?

Timing is everything when it comes to wisdom teeth. Removing them early—before the roots are fully formed—can lead to:

  • Faster, easier healing
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Better long-term alignment
  • Reduced chances of bone or nerve damage

At Holyoke Family Dental, we typically recommend removing wisdom teeth during the late teens or early twenties to avoid future problems.


What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Worried about the procedure? Don’t be. Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine treatment, and our experienced team ensures your visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. Consultation

We’ll take digital X-rays, assess your teeth, and determine whether extraction is necessary.

  1. Sedation Options

Depending on your needs, we offer local anesthesia, laughing gas, or IV sedation.

  1. Extraction

Your wisdom teeth are carefully removed, usually in less than an hour. Most patients can remove all four in a single visit.

  1. Recovery

You may experience mild swelling or soreness for a few days. Most patients recover in 2–4 days and return to normal routines shortly after.


What If You Don’t Remove Them?

Leaving problem wisdom teeth untreated can lead to:

  • Severe tooth and jaw pain
  • Infection or abscess
  • Crooked teeth (even after braces)
  • Damage to adjacent molars
  • Emergency surgery with longer recovery

Wisdom teeth won’t fix themselves—and the longer you wait, the more complicated removal may become.


Wisdom Teeth and Orthodontics: A Crucial Combo

Are you currently wearing braces or clear aligners? Or planning to? Wisdom teeth can push aligned teeth out of position, ruining your results. Many orthodontists recommend removing them before or after treatment to prevent future shifting.

At Holyoke Family Dental, we coordinate closely with orthodontists to time your extractions for the best long-term outcome.


Book Your Wisdom Tooth Evaluation Today

Whether your wisdom teeth are already giving you trouble or you just want peace of mind, don’t wait until it becomes urgent. At Holyoke Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Holyoke, MA, we offer expert wisdom tooth evaluations and safe, effective extractions.

Take the wise step—call us today to schedule your consultation. Your future smile will thank you.


FAQs About Wisdom Teeth

Q: When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Ideally between ages 17 and 25, before the roots fully form and problems arise.

Q: Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

With anesthesia or sedation, the procedure itself is painless. Mild discomfort after is normal and manageable.

Q: How long is recovery?

Most patients recover within 2–4 days, with minimal restrictions on daily activities.

Q: Will insurance cover the cost?

Many dental plans cover part or all of the extraction. Our team can help you understand your benefits.

Q: Can I remove just one or two wisdom teeth?

Yes—if only one or two are causing problems, we can extract them individually.

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1789 Northampton St,

Holyoke, MA 01040


Email us at holyokedentalma@gmail.com

Call us at (413) 371 8000

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