Is There a Right Age to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

You probably know a few people who had their wisdom teeth removed, and it makes you wonder, is there a certain age to have them removed? Wisdom teeth are no longer necessary when you reach a certain point in your life, and they will likely tell you when they want to be taken out because they can cause pain.

People who develop wisdom teeth may not have enough room for four more teeth, which could lead to dental complications. Therefore, the need for them to be taken out.

When’s the Best Time to Have Them Removed?

So, when it comes to the “best age” to have them removed, there really is no best time; and it’s not about the age. Rather, it’s about catching it early on to prevent further complications.

That said, wisdom teeth can be removed at any time and any age. Still, some prefer to have their wisdom teeth removed between 18 and 24 years old. In fact, 24 is said to be the cut-off point because after this, the roots of the wisdom teeth are fully formed, which can make the extraction more complicated.

On the other hand, getting your wisdom teeth removed when you’re a bit older may also mean a more complicated surgery and a longer recovery time. There may also be a greater risk of complications.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth

One of the main reasons wisdom teeth are removed is because they’re impacted. Since they develop at the back of the jaw where the bone curves away from the plane of the other teeth, this can cause misalignment that pushes it forward compared to the other teeth. In some cases, they may be totally horizontal, with the crown facing the front.

When this happens, they will put pressure on the surrounding teeth, which causes the pain. Moreover, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria and infection if they’re not removed right away.

How They are Removed

Wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the condition of the teeth. For most cases, it only involves simple extraction, while others may require the teeth to be removed in sections to not disturb too much of the bone tissue.

Some extraction will require a patient to receive a local anesthetic. On the other hand, if the extraction is more complicated, sedation anesthesia may be needed. Sedation may also be recommended for anxious patients.

The extraction involves an incision into the gums that exposes the tooth and jawbone.

Get Them Removed as Early as Possible

Some wisdom teeth may not cause symptoms early on, which is why you need to have your regular dental check-ups. Catching the development of wisdom teeth early on can save you a lot of time and pain in the long run. So, when it comes to the right age, there really is no “right” age for it, but there is a “best” age range for this, which we mentioned in this post. Still, if you’re not within that range and you want your wisdom teeth removed, you still can. You only need to find a dentist that is right for you and will make you feel comfortable.

If your wisdom tooth is bothering you, talk to your dentist right away! Dental House MI offerswisdom teeth removal in Waterford and Ann Arbor. Trust our dentist to make the process a lot easier for you, no matter your age. Book an appointment today.