When Is It Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The last set of teeth to erupt are the third molars, otherwise known as your wisdom teeth. These tough, wide teeth are responsible for grinding food. Wisdom teeth usually come through in your late teens or early 20s and some people are born without any. According to the Dental Research Journal, approximately 5 to 37% of people are missing one or more of their wisdom teeth. Many people choose to remove wisdom teeth, but not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Most dentists will only recommend wisdom tooth removal if they are causing symptoms or are anticipated to cause problems in the future. Let’s dive more into wisdom tooth removal and when the best time is to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
While wisdom teeth can emerge from the gums and cause no further issues, they can often create complications when they become impacted in the jawbone or gum. When this happens, you may experience pain in the jaw, inflamed gums, swelling in the jaw, bleeding gums, foul-smelling breath, and possible gum and/or bone loss.
Third molar impaction can occur for many reasons. In some instances, there is not enough room for the third molars to erupt, resulting in impaction. Pain and infection can also occur due to overcrowding in the mouth. Cysts and tumors can develop in the jawbone when wisdom teeth become impacted, causing joint pain and other symptoms.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There is no specific time that wisdom teeth should be removed. However, many dentists believe that they should be extracted at a younger age whenever possible, before the bone and roots are fully formed. Your dentist will also consider other factors when deciding if it’s the right time to remove your wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended if you are experiencing the following in connection with your third molars:
- Chronic pain
- Gum disease
- Tumors
- Extensive tooth decay
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
- Repeated soft tissue infections
Your wisdom teeth may be extracted if they are impacted or trapped within the jaw, resulting in abscesses that damage other teeth. In some instances, the third molars will partially erupt through the gums, creating a hotbed of bacteria that can contribute to oral infection. Wisdom teeth may also be removed if they fully erupt but at such an angle that it causes crowding or damage to nearby teeth.
Contact Us About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a straightforward process and is typically associated with a fairly fast recovery. At Vero Elite Dentistry, we help patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles by performing important services designed to minimize common risks, such as oral infections, decay, cysts, bone damage, and crowded or misaligned teeth. Our dental health professionals are here to extract your problematic wisdom teeth when the time is right. To schedule a consultation with Vero Elite Dentistry, contact our office at 772.617.2869.