Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, are typically the last teeth to grow, and the best age to remove wisdom teeth is usually between 15 and 25, before the roots are fully developed and extraction becomes more difficult. Wisdom tooth removal is also one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, so if you’re a teen, young adult, parent, or anyone dealing with painful or problematic third molars, it helps to know when removal makes the most sense.
Although discussing wisdom teeth removal may scare children and young adults since it involves surgery, state-of-the-art technology and modern techniques help make wisdom teeth extractions less painful. Early evaluation and removal can help prevent impacted teeth, decay, infections, and even cysts or tumors, while also lowering the risk of complications and making recovery smoother. Below, you’ll learn when wisdom teeth should come out, what can happen if you wait too long, what to expect during surgery, and how to recover well afterward.
The Best Age for Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth) Removal
Often wisdom teeth develop in your mouth in the late teens through the early twenties. Therefore, an NH study suggests that wisdom teeth should be removed between the ages of 15 to 25, when removal is often easier before the roots are fully developed and morbidity levels are lowest. The favorable reasons are root form, softer and more pliable bone, rapid healing, and greater distance to the inferior alveolar nerve.
However, keep in mind that different people have different teeth. Thus, it’s critical oral and maxillofacial surgeons monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth and pinpoint the right time for extraction, especially when considering wisdom teeth evaluation for teenagers.
Why You Should Avoid Putting Off Wisdom Teeth Removal
Avoiding wisdom teeth removal surgery may lead to further complications like those discussed in more detail when you consider whether wisdom teeth really need to be removed:
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The third molar may become impacted if it lacks sufficient room for growing and developing, and impacted teeth are a common reason for removal because they often do not have enough space to erupt properly. Ultimately, impaction and poor positioning are common factors for removal, along with decay and risk to neighboring teeth, because misaligned wisdom teeth can damage adjacent or nearby teeth, and some impacted wisdom teeth issues can also grow close to nearby nerves, which can make extraction more difficult.
2. Tooth Decay
Typically, it’s harder for you to reach your wisdom teeth with a toothbrush. This means that these are more susceptible to contributing to gum disease and tooth decay, and if left untreated, they may cause problems for your long-term oral health.
3. Infection
Since wisdom teeth attack your mouth by developing through the gums, it provides bacteria the optimum environment to grow. Thus, you may end up with painful infections or start wondering how to tell if you have wisdom teeth.
4. Tumors and Cysts
Your wisdom teeth may be severely impacted to the point where tumors/cysts may start forming around the third molars. Unfortunately, it typically results in damage to other teeth, as well as your jawbone, and can be especially disruptive for young adults such as missionaries preparing for extended service.
Why Get Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removed; not all wisdom teeth have to come out if they are healthy, properly aligned, and easy to clean, but evaluation is still important if a wisdom tooth starts growing in your mouth. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems like pain, an infection, crowding other teeth, or are impacted, the decision to remove them is personalized based on your symptoms, x-rays, evaluation, and whether the teeth are actually causing problems.
Your dentist will recommend x-rays of your teeth and jaw to predict growth patterns and, ultimately, curate a plan for wisdom tooth extraction. They can also review treatment options and explain what to expect from the procedure, including anesthesia choices such as IV sedation or general anesthesia, and details specific to wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT.
The Bottom Line
There is no age limit in life for addressing wisdom teeth, and people can still have their wisdom teeth pulled later in life, though patients over 50 may face more surgical challenges; the American Association guidance also supports evaluating problematic third molars before they need to be removed, since earlier treatment can lower the risk of complications like tooth infection, gum disease, and excruciating pain. In many cases, patients heal faster when treated younger, which can support a smoother recovery when they follow tips to heal quickly after wisdom tooth surgery.
To support recovery, follow your surgeon’s instructions to manage pain, use cold compresses to reduce swelling, protect the blood clot to reduce the risk of dry socket after wisdom teeth removal, and keep the surgical site clean. After surgery, stick with soft foods such as mashed potatoes and other foods you can eat after wisdom teeth surgery.
Book an appointment here at Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to discuss the risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal with our experts.