What Is The Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Preventative Oral Care in Austin, TX
Learn More About the Best Wisdom Teeth Removal Age
There is no specific age at which wisdom teeth must be extracted. However, it’s recommended that wisdom teeth be removed in a person’s early adulthood. Wisdom teeth can be successfully removed later in life, but early removal is recommended to limit the risks involved with the surgery and healing time.
Below, the experts at Austin Oral Surgery review some information about getting your wisdom teeth removed and at what age the procedure should be done. We’re also your trusted source for all age-specific dental tips. Reach out to our team today to learn more about what we offer throughout Austin, TX and the surrounding areas.
What’s the Best Age to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Every patient is unique, so your dentist should be continually monitoring the growth of your wisdom teeth to determine when the molars should be removed. As we age, the wisdom teeth roots grow longer and attach to the jaw. They’re often recommended to be removed prior to the root developing. Removing wisdom teeth in older patients can be more complicated, and healing after the extraction may take longer.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
It’s best to remove wisdom teeth before they start to be problematic. Some complications that can occur if you wait too long to get your wisdom teeth removed include the following:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth become impacted when they don’t have enough room to grow and align correctly. This can cause pain and damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth can be hard to reach with a toothbrush, so they’re naturally more susceptible to tooth decay.
- Infection: When wisdom teeth erupt partially in your mouth, the area serves as a breeding ground for bacteria that can result in an infection, tumors, or cysts.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
Some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to grow normally. Per dental health advice, you can keep your wisdom teeth if they’re fully erupted and healthy. Wisdom teeth are considered vestigial, meaning they’re no longer necessary. For many dental patients, wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including pain or cysts inside the mouth as the other teeth shift to make room for them. Removal is often the best course of action if:
- There is a risk of your teeth overcrowding
- The wisdom tooth is impacted or stuck in the jawbone
- The wisdom tooth is erupting sideways
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
The exact way wisdom tooth extraction occurs depends on the condition of your teeth. In some cases, it is a simple process. For other patients, the tooth may be removed in sections to avoid disturbing the surrounding bone tissue. Your surgeon will discuss the best sedation options with you, whether they suggest a local anesthetic alone or if anesthesia is the best route to take. Each patient’s mouth is unique, and so is their treatment plan.
Typically, the surgeon will make an incision into your gums to expose the tooth and jawbone. The bone surrounding the tooth’s root is carefully removed, and the tooth is either extracted whole or divided into smaller sections to reduce damage to the surrounding bone structure. All the debris from the tooth socket is thoroughly cleaned, and the wound is closed for proper healing.
Contact Austin Oral Surgery Today
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and in the correct positions, extracting them may not be necessary. However, if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, notice your teeth shift or worry about your wisdom teeth, consider a professional extraction. Having your wisdom teeth removed is a surgical procedure that should be considered with utmost care. At Austin Oral Surgery, we’re dedicated to providing the safest, least invasive procedures available in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas. We can determine if a wisdom tooth extraction suits your situation using our vast knowledge and advanced technology. Contact us today to learn more and get the dental care you deserve.
