[wiseowise]

> surgery to avoid the risk of developing a cavity because I might not know how to brush teeth that I have had for 15 years and never had a cavity on

That's not because you don't know how to brush teeth, it's because it is physically hard to reach them. Sometimes even impossible, because part of tooth is hidden beneath gum.

[judge2020]

Is the risk that food/sugar/etc would get in between the gums and hidden part of the tooth, developing an unseen cavity?

[alistairSH]

Even still, the OP wouldn’t be any worse off waiting for a cavity and getting the tooth pulled then. Pushing surgery now is sketchy AF.

[borski]

Not quite true; sometimes, if an infection develops (even without a cavity, just because food got caught in the gums) it can be significantly more painful to deal with than getting it taken care of when they're healthy.

[Fire-Dragon-DoL]

Of my 4 wisdom teeth, I got 2 removed for that reason. They got infected at least once per year un my twenties and it was really painful. Doctor never recommended to do it, but did tell me "if you feel like it's too annoying, we can remove them". I was the one asking after a holiday completely ruined (and no pharmacy available). So 2 it is.

Now, all good with the other 2,however the new dentist suggested removing them because those are a little bit extruded (they have been this way for a long time). Looks like I need a new dentist

[bombcar]

Isn't this more of an argument for getting a toothache handled quickly than waiting until the pain's almost unbearable before going in?

In either case if you're using an oral surgeon they're gonna numb the area first anyway, and you're gonna have to deal with the hole afterwards.

[borski]

Sure - it depends on the case, and that’s entirely my point. If it hasn’t erupted but still is, it may move teeth. If it has partially erupted it may be harder to clean, etc. My point is blanket “don’t worry until it’s infected” isn’t quite right either.

[wiseowise]

If there’s pain it is too late already.