Dallas Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in. The development of wisdom teeth can be scary for both children and adults, especially because wisdom teeth removal requires some surgery. The dread of dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth is a feeling that many adults are familiar with.
Fortunately, today’s modern technology has helped perfect the procedure of wisdom teeth extractions, making them much easier to bear, with little discomfort during the recovery period.
What Connection Do Your Wisdom Teeth Have With Your Age?
Getting your wisdom teeth extracted isn’t mandatory at all. However, certain wisdom teeth need to be extracted between the ages of 18 to 20. Certain dentists may even suggest having your wisdom teeth removed earlier according to the structure of your mouth.
If your wisdom teeth are too developed, they can cause crowding and other problems that can shift the placement of your teeth. On the other hand, underdeveloped wisdom teeth may need to stay a little bit longer before removal to ensure that a proper extraction can be conducted.
The younger you get your wisdom tooth extraction, the fewer complications you can expect to experience before, during, and after surgery. Older patients tend to experience more complications during and after their wisdom tooth surgery in comparison to younger patients.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted?
Most people have jaws that simply aren’t big enough to support the development of wisdom teeth. This is how their wisdom teeth end up getting impacted, stuck in the jaw, or are unable to grow through the gums like other teeth. As your wisdom teeth begin to grow, they will try to break through your gums, causing crowding, which may lead to pain, infection, and swelling.
Also, the wisdom teeth that manage to break through your gums may be located so far at the back of your mouth that proper cleaning and care become nearly impossible. This can lead to gum disease or cavities. However, it is important to note that not all wisdom teeth require extraction. While some people require one or two wisdom tooth extractions, others might not need extractions at all.
Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Every individual has two choices: to remove or not to remove. Almost everyone would prefer to keep their teeth and not experience any issues. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, or are causing an infection, crowding, or pain, then an extraction is the way to go. If you don’t experience any of these problems then you can keep your wisdom teeth.
It is important to meet with your dentist regularly. They will take x-rays of your mouth and predict the growth patterns of your wisdom teeth to avoid any potential problems in the future.
Searching for a dentist for yourself or your teenager? Dallas Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery caters to all family dental concerns, including wisdom teeth surgeries and extractions. Call us at 972-733-0414 to book an appointment.
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