Personal stories about having wisdom teeth removed
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Zach, age 17: My dentist suggested that I have my wisdom teeth removed because already one of them is impacted. My parents and I agreed that the teeth should be removed, and I'm having it done now, while I am young.
Suzanne, age 33: My wisdom teeth came in when I was younger, but they haven't caused me any problems yet, so I am not having them removed. My dentist told me that few people older than 30 have problems with their wisdom teeth, and I don't want to deal with surgery unless I have to.
Shaila, 29: I had my wisdom teeth removed because they were not coming in straight. I felt it was best to take care of them then, rather than wait and take a chance that they would cause problems later on.
Nate, age 22: I am not having my wisdom teeth removed because I can't afford it. I don't have insurance and don't have enough money for the procedure. I know that there is a chance that my wisdom teeth may cause problems later, but I hope that by then I will be able to afford the surgery. Besides, I don't want to have surgery unless I really need it. I will try to prevent any problems by going to my dentist regularly.
Rosa, age 42: I have had my wisdom teeth for many years, and they don't bother me. I have a hard time cleaning around them, though, and my dentist says my wisdom teeth and the teeth and gums right next to them are in danger of starting to have problems. I have diabetes that's pretty well controlled right now, so I'm going to have my wisdom teeth out now. My dentist said that if I wait until I have real damage to my teeth, my diabetes may be worse by then and I could have trouble healing up after the surgery.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine | |
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