A common rite of passage for teens at the end of high school or as they head into college is getting their wisdom teeth removed. That’s because these molars typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. But does age really matter when it comes to their removal?
At Lilac Dental, our dentist in Saugus, MA, wants you always to feel confident in the timing of your treatments. Below, we break down whether there’s an ideal time to extract wisdom teeth and the potential risks of waiting.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth at All?
The short answer is that they lack sufficient space to grow properly. We’ve evolved to have smaller jaws than our ancestors, but we haven’t evolved to eliminate this third set of molars. The combination of small jaws and new molars can lead to problems such as impaction, where the teeth become trapped in the jawbone or gums. This can lead to complications like:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Crowding existing teeth
- Cysts
- Infection
The decision to remove wisdom teeth is often based on the potential problems associated with them. However, our dentist in Saugus, MA, emphasizes that not everyone requires the removal of their wisdom teeth. Since it varies from person to person, it’s essential to monitor these teeth regularly.
Why We Keep an Eye Out
Regular dental checkups provide us with the opportunity to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth. We also recommend a wisdom-tooth-specific evaluation in the late teenage years. During this time, we’ll use X-rays to help assess the position of the wisdom teeth and predict potential problems.
Is There an Ideal Age for Removal?
If we suspect that your wisdom teeth won’t erupt correctly, we generally recommend taking action sooner rather than later to prevent complications. That can mean we perform a wisdom tooth extraction in the late teens to early twenties.
At this age, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and the surrounding bone is softer, making extraction easier. Recovery also tends to be quicker and less complicated for younger patients.
Other Variables Our Dentist in Saugus, MA, Considers
Age is not the only factor. Some patients may need their wisdom teeth removed earlier due to the onset of symptoms or signs of complications. Others might never need them removed if they grow in properly and don’t cause any issues.
The bottom line is that we won’t remove your wisdom teeth just because you’ve reached a certain age. The timing of your removal is based on your unique case.
Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal
All that said, if your third molars are impacted and you wait too long to address the issue, you may face certain risks.
- More Complications: As you get older, the roots of your wisdom teeth become fully formed, and the jawbone becomes denser. This can make extraction more challenging and increase the risk of complications, such as nerve damage, especially in impacted teeth.
- Greater Discomfort: Older patients may experience more discomfort and a more extended recovery period after wisdom teeth removal compared to younger individuals. The healing process can also take more time.
- Potential for Damage to Other Teeth: If wisdom teeth push against neighboring molars, they can cause damage or misalign the remaining teeth. This may indicate that you will need orthodontic treatment later.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Treatment Planning
The dentist in Saugus, MA, at Lilac Dental doesn’t just dive right in. We explain the procedure and any associated risks. We’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to you, guided by scans taken before the procedure.
The Extraction Process
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, though sedation options are available for those who experience anxiety. We’ll make an incision in the gum tissue, remove any bone obstructing the tooth, and extract the tooth.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-surgery, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Swelling and discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. Follow the aftercare instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection and promote healing.
When We Don’t Opt for Removal
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problems, we might never remove them. Alternatively, we could decide to monitor them to see how they continue to emerge simply. We may recommend X-rays every few years to check for changes.
The Main Factor in Wisdom Tooth Timing Is You
Age can be a variable in the timing of wisdom teeth removal, but it’s not the only consideration for our dentist in Saugus, MA. Your timeline is based solely on you.
Get started on your personalized wisdom tooth extraction plan today at Lilac Dental. Whether you’re a teenager, a college student, or an adult, we can examine your third molars and work to ensure they don’t cause you any trouble.