Wisdom Teeth Removal

There are indeed times when it is optional. I had the option to have my wisdom teeth (non-impacted) removed in my teen years, just after they came in. They were fine, healthy, but were a tight fit--in other words, they pretty much sat almost up against the back of my jaw. They suggested I might want to have them removed for more room since I might not be able to brush them well. I opted to keep them, but years later their prediction came true--cavity ridden cause my brush couldn't reach them right, one of them even broke. Dentist couldn't reach them to drill.
My experience was probably better than some--the removal for me was painless although there was bone involved--the DR was just good at his novocaine application. The recovery was pretty OK--plenty of painkillers to get me through the first few days, just follow the instructions on keeping the sockets clean.  Yes, the injection hurt, but not any worse than the novocaine when I got other teeth drilled.
Hope that helped. . .?

Get them out when you are young... do not let them become impacted... do not let them fuse to your jaw bone... do not put off mild inconvience for today what will bring terrible nastiness tomorrow.