In this episode of Oral Surgery Insights, Dr. Russell Lieblick and Dr. Brandon Rehrer break down one of the most common misconceptions in dentistry: “If my wisdom teeth don’t hurt, do I really need them removed?”

The answer, backed by AAOMS research, is clear — nearly all wisdom teeth eventually cause problems. Whether it’s infection, bone loss, cysts, or damage to the adjacent molar, the issue is rarely if, but when.

Dr. Lieblick and Dr. Rehrer explain:

• Why ages 14–16 are the safest and easiest years for wisdom tooth removal
• How “silent damage” can occur long before symptoms appear
• Why adult extractions are more complex, riskier, and come with longer recovery times
• How chronic oral inflammation can impact overall health
• What parents and adults should know about early evaluation and prevention

This episode is a must-listen for parents of teens, adults who still have their wisdom teeth, and anyone wanting to avoid painful, expensive complications down the road.

Key takeaway: Early removal is one of the most predictable and preventive steps you can take to protect long-term oral health. A simple consultation today can prevent major problems tomorrow.

Tune in to learn when to take action — and why timing matters more than you think.