When Is the Right Time for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These molars are commonly removed because they cause problems for many people, from pain and discomfort to infection and putting pressure on neighboring teeth.

But when is the right time to consider wisdom tooth removal? Here’s what you need to know about when to remove wisdom teeth and whether they need to be removed at all.

Why Is Wisdom Tooth Removal So Common?

Wisdom teeth used to be important when our ancestors needed them to chew tough roots and other foods, but with more cooked foods in our diet today, they are less needed.

As we evolved, our jaws became smaller, and there was less room for wisdom teeth to emerge. Some people today are even born without wisdom teeth or born with only two of the traditional four wisdom teeth.

As a result, wisdom teeth often cause problems. They may not have enough room to emerge properly, leading them to come in crooked, become trapped in the gum tissue, or not come in at all. All of these scenarios can cause pain, discomfort, and even infection, leading to the need for wisdom tooth removal.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removal May Be Necessary

Wisdom tooth removal won’t be necessary for every patient, but some common signs that wisdom teeth may need to be removed include:

• Impaction. When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally, they can become impacted. Impacted teeth may grow at various angles or even remain trapped within the jawbone. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.
• Crowding. As they emerge, wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and altering your smile or bite and potentially ruining orthodontic work.
• Cavities and gum disease. Partially emerged wisdom teeth that get trapped in the gum tissue create areas that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Cysts and other issues. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts and other complications that can damage the jawbone and surrounding tissue.

Signs That It Might Be Time for Removal

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to removing wisdom teeth. However, it’s generally time to consider removal if you have:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the gum area near your wisdom teeth
• Repeated infections like pericoronitis (inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth)
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully or chewing effectively

Generally, wisdom tooth removal is considered when the benefits outweigh the risks of surgery. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems or have the potential to cause problems in the future, removal is almost always the best option.

Not All Wisdom Teeth Need Removal

While many wisdom teeth require extraction, it’s essential to understand that removal is not necessary in every case. Many people develop wisdom teeth that function properly and cause no issues throughout their lifetime. Your dentist may recommend a “wait and watch” approach if your wisdom teeth meet certain criteria.

Wisdom teeth may not need removal if they:

• Have fully erupted in proper alignment
• Are healthy and free from decay
• Can be properly cleaned during regular brushing and flossing
• Do not cause pain, infection, or impact adjacent teeth
• Have sufficient space in the jaw for proper functioning

For patients whose wisdom teeth don’t immediately warrant removal, regular monitoring is the next step. Your dentist may recommend routine examinations every 6-12 months to assess any changes in wisdom teeth positioning, health, or potential complications.

When to Transition from Monitoring to Action

Your dentist will check for these signs to determine if it’s time to move from monitoring to removal for your wisdom teeth:

• Development of pain or recurring infections
• Evidence of tooth decay or gum disease around wisdom teeth
• Formation of cysts or tumors
• Negatively impacted adjacent teeth
• Changes in bite alignment

The decision to remove wisdom teeth should always be based on individual circumstances and professional dental assessment. Some patients successfully retain their wisdom teeth throughout their lives, while others benefit from removal to prevent future complications.

Regular monitoring ensures that any required intervention occurs at the optimal time, balancing the risks of removal against the potential complications of waiting.

The Ideal Timing for Extraction

Most dental professionals agree that the optimal time for wisdom teeth extraction is in the late teenage years or early twenties.

At this age, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense, leading to a smoother procedure and recovery. However, if wisdom teeth begin causing issues at a younger age, earlier removal might be necessary.

If wisdom teeth need to be removed, removing them when your dentist recommends offers numerous benefits, from alleviating any symptoms you may be having to preventing future complications and improving your overall oral health.

That being said, the ideal timing for extraction can differ from patient to patient. Your dentist can help you determine the best time to remove your wisdom teeth if and when they need to be removed.

When to Not Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

There are certain cases when dentists generally recommend against having your wisdom teeth removed. This includes cases where:

• Your wisdom teeth are not causing problems and are not expected to cause problems
• You have underlying medical conditions that make surgery more risky
• You are taking medications that interfere with healing or clotting
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Your dentist can help you assess the risks versus the benefits to determine if wisdom teeth removal is the right choice for you.

Schedule an Exam With Saunders DDS

If you still have your wisdom teeth in and aren’t sure if they need to be removed, or are considering wisdom teeth removal for your teen, contact Saunders DDS. We can conduct a comprehensive exam to determine if wisdom teeth removal is the best option to prevent problems and protect your smile. Contact us today at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online to schedule an exam.