At what age should wisdom teeth be removed

There is no specific age that wisdom teeth must be extracted by, however it is recommended that wisdom teeth be removed in early adulthood. Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, can be successfully removed later in life, but early removal is recommended to limit risks involved with the surgery and healing time.

The Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal Varies

Typically, wisdom teeth develop and appear in your mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. However, all people, and their teeth, are different, so the growth of your wisdom teeth should be monitored by a dentist to determine if and when the molars should be removed. However, keep in mind that As we get older, the wisdom teeth roots grow longer and more entrenched in the jaw. It can be more complicated to remove wisdom teeth in older patients, and it may take longer to heal following the surgery.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

It is always best to get wisdom teeth removed before they begin to cause problems. Some complications that can occur if you wait to get wisdom teeth removed include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth. The third molar becomes impacted when it does not have sufficient room for growth. This can cause pain and damage to other teeth.
• Tooth decay. Because wisdom teeth may be hard to reach with a toothbrush, they are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Infection. When wisdom teeth erupt partially through the gums, this site serves as a breeding ground for bacteria that can eventually turn into a painful infection.
• Tumors or cysts. Wisdom teeth can become so impacted that tumors and/or cysts can form around the third molars, and eventually lead to serious damage to the jawbone and other teeth.

Oral Surgeon

Wisdom teeth removal is a routine oral surgery procedure, but patients should still discuss any concerns about wisdom tooth extraction, including risks and benefits, with their oral surgeon as part of the treatment planning process. Austin Oral Surgery’s team of surgeons has extensive training in the removal of wisdom teeth. They are dedicated to providing exceptional, individualized oral health care in a safe and compassionate environment.

For questions about wisdom teeth removal or to schedule an appointment, please contact Austin Oral Surgery’s Patient Service Team. The Austin Oral Surgery team will be happy to address any of your questions or concerns.

It seems like having your wisdom teeth removed has become another rite of passage marking the transition between adolescence and adulthood. A significant number of patients undergo oral surgery for wisdom tooth extraction before they reach their mid-twenties.

The wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth, and most people’s jaws aren’t big enough to allow them to erupt properly. Consequently, the wisdom teeth become impacted, and when this happens, they may need to be removed by an oral surgeon.

There’s a reason why so many teenagers and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed. As patients get older, the wisdom teeth’s roots grow longer and more solidified in the jaw, which makes it more difficult to extract those teeth. Older patients also recuperate more slowly following the procedure. As a result, the general recommendation is for patients to have their wisdom teeth removed by age 25. [pullquote]The wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth, and most people’s jaws aren’t big enough to allow them to erupt properly. [/pullquote]

Patients may be tempted to postpone wisdom tooth extraction if they’re not experiencing symptoms, and there is certainly a chance that a patient’s wisdom teeth will never cause a problem even if they don’t erupt.

However, impacted wisdom teeth also have the potential to cause serious issues, and this is why many patients opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted as a proactive measure. The list of potential complications of impacted wisdom teeth includes cysts, tumors, abscesses and infections. The wisdom teeth can also cause discomfort and lead to misalignment in the other teeth as they continue to try to emerge.

While it is recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth removed before age 25, patients who are older than that can still undergo the extraction procedure. They should work with their oral surgeon to reduce their risk of complications and be prepared for a longer timeframe for healing.

Patients in their mid-teens can have their wisdom teeth removed, and we encourage those who have reached their mid-twenties and still have their wisdom teeth to consult with one of our oral surgeons to discuss extraction.

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?

Some people have enough room in their mouths and can keep their wisdom teeth, as long as the teeth are healthy. But most people don’t need them. 

Wisdom teeth are considered to be vestigial, meaning they are no longer necessary. Scientists theorize that our prehistoric ancestors evolved to grow an extra set of molars later in life to replace teeth that may have been lost. 

For many people, wisdom teeth cause all sorts of problems—pain, cysts, and general calamity inside the mouth as the other teeth shift to make room. Removal is often the best course of action, especially if: 

• There is a risk of overcrowding
• The wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck in the jawbone) 
• The wisdom tooth is growing sideways

Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth typically emerge from the gums between the ages of 18 and 25. Most dentists will recommend that removal happen before the age of 26, however extractions can be performed later if necessary. 

Making it to your twice-a-year dental checkups is very important for teens and young adults. One thing your full mouth x-rays show are your wisdom teeth and their positions. If you have pain or discomfort in the back or your jaw be sure to let your dentist know—your wisdom teeth might be starting to grow in. 

Usually the younger you are when you get your wisdom teeth extracted, the better. This is for two reasons:

• The younger you are, the less established the roots of the wisdom teeth will be. This makes the extraction less complicated.
• Younger people typically heal faster after a wisdom tooth extraction, and tend to experience fewer complications than older adults. 

Even though it may be better to get wisdom teeth extractions when you’re younger, uncomplicated extractions are still possible when you are older. It merely depends on your personal case. However, extractions in older people generally have longer healing times, an increase in complications, and a higher risk of infections.

If you have an appointment for wisdom teeth removal scheduled, take a look at our guide for preparing for a tooth extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Prescott, Arizona

If your wisdom teeth are healthy and in the correct positions, it may not be necessary to extract them. However, if you are in pain or discomfort, noticing a shift in the position of your other teeth, or have any worry about your wisdom teeth, you might want to consider an extraction.  

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a surgical procedure that should be considered with care. At Hicks Dental Group we are dedicated to providing the safest, least invasive procedures available. Using our vast knowledge and the best technology, we can determine if a wisdom tooth extraction is right for you. Call 928-445-6030 to set up a consultation with us today.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/2/22). Photo by Sergiu Vălenaș on Unsplash

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