Are Wisdom Teeth Always Removed? When It’s Safe To Keep Them

Whites Dental Waterloo

Example Icon 0208 616 0590

Example Icon 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER

Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

Example Icon 0203 576 2325

Example Icon 52B Kendal St, St George's Fields, London W2 2BP

When it comes to wisdom teeth, most people assume they’ll eventually need to be taken out. After all, many friends or family members have likely gone through a wisdom tooth extraction at some point.

But are wisdom teeth always removed, or are there times when they can safely remain in place?

At Whites Dental, with clinics in Waterloo (SE1) and Marble Arch (W2), we perform wisdom tooth extractions in London and also assessments every day. Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted — and this article will help you understand when it’s necessary and when it’s safe to leave them alone.

🔍 What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth (third molars as they are also called), are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 to 25 typically. Most adults typically have 2 sets of wisdom teeth (two on the top arch – in each corner, and two on the bottom arch – in each corner). Some adults may have less than four or none at all.

These teeth can be beneficial if they:

However, that’s not always the case.

⚠️ Why Are Wisdom Teeth Commonly Removed?

Many people simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to come through correctly. This can cause:

❌ Impaction

Wisdom teeth can sometimes or often get trapped underneath your gums They can also on occasion grow at an angle (impacted) under the gums. Both these conditions can lead to tooth pain, swelling and sometimes infection.

❌ Tooth crowding

Even fully erupted wisdom teeth can shift neighbouring teeth, undoing years of orthodontic work.

❌ Infections or cavities

Wisdom teeth are at the far corner of our mouth. As a result, they can be hard to clean. This makes them prone to decay and infection, and the surrounding tissue prone to gum disease.

❌ Cysts or jaw issues

In some uncommon cases, impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t been treated or extracted can lead to formation of a cyst or they can damage the jawbone.

At Whites Dental Waterloo and Whites Dental Marble Arch, we use digital X-rays and panoramic scans to assess whether wisdom teeth are likely to cause future problems — even if you’re not feeling any discomfort now.

✅ When Is It Safe To Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

Contrary to what many people may think or know, you don’t always need to extract a wisdom tooth. If your third molars are healthy and properly positioned, there may be no need for extraction.

It may be safe to keep your wisdom teeth if:

Your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth through routine exams and X-rays to ensure they remain problem-free.

📋 Factors We Assess At Your Consultation

At Whites Dental, every patient undergoes a detailed wisdom tooth assessment before we recommend removal. Our evaluation includes:

1. Digital imaging

Panoramic and 3D X-rays help us evaluate the angle, position, and root development of your wisdom teeth.

2. Gum health

We check for signs of pericoronitis, gum inflammation, or infection around the wisdom teeth.

3. Oral hygiene access

We assess how easily the area can be kept clean — poor access increases the risk of cavities or gum disease.

4. Patient symptoms

Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, or difficulty chewing are all red flags that extraction might be necessary.

🏥 Our Central London Locations

Whether you’re experiencing pain or want peace of mind about your wisdom teeth, we invite you to visit one of our highly-rated central London clinics:

📌 Whites Dental Waterloo

📍 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
📞 020 8616 0590
🚉 Minutes from Southwark and Waterloo stations

📌 Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

📍 52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 020 3576 2325
🚇 Conveniently located near Marble Arch and Paddington

Both clinics offer same-day consultations, digital imaging, and expert diagnosis from our experienced dental team.

🤕 What Happens If You Leave Problematic Wisdom Teeth Untreated?

If your wisdom tooth is impacted or is misaligned in some way, ignoring it can cause issues such as:

If we detect any of these risks, we typically recommend surgical or simple extraction to prevent long-term complications.

🧠 Common Misconceptions About Wisdom Teeth

❌ “All wisdom teeth must be removed.”

Not true! Many people live their whole lives with their wisdom teeth — it all depends on space, alignment, and oral health.

❌ “If there’s no pain, there’s no problem.”

Some issues (like impaction or infection) can develop silently and only become painful later.

❌ “I can just wait until it hurts.”

Delaying extraction can lead to more complex, painful, and costly procedures. Early intervention is often safer and easier.

💡 Preventative Removal: Is It Necessary?

Preventative extraction is sometimes recommended even for asymptomatic teeth if they show:

At Whites Dental, we only recommend removal when it’s in your best long-term interest. Our goal is always to preserve healthy teeth — but remove those that may cause harm later on.

📈 Patient Experiences At Whites Dental

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“I thought all wisdom teeth had to be removed, but after a full scan at Whites Dental Waterloo, I learned mine were healthy and didn’t need surgery. Their honesty and professionalism really stood out.”
— Natasha R., SE1

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“I had no pain, but a 3D scan at the Marble Arch clinic showed one impacted tooth growing sideways. The team caught it early and explained everything clearly before removing it. Excellent care.”
— Omid K., W2

📞 Book Your Wisdom Tooth Assessment Today

If you’re asking “Do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?” — the best answer comes from a professional examination.

Our friendly team at Whites Dental Waterloo and Whites Dental Marble Arch is here to help you make the right choice — whether that means keeping your wisdom teeth or removing them before they cause issues.

👉 Book your wisdom tooth removal appointment in London
📍 Waterloo (SE1): 020 8616 0590
📍 Marble Arch (W2): 020 3576 2325

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