Healthy wisdom teeth
Before we delve into when wisdom tooth removal might be
necessary, let's flip the script and start when removal is unnecessary.
If your wisdom teeth have come out completely, are seated
properly, and don't interfere with your bite alignment, your dentist is
unlikely to recommend extraction. It is not necessary to remove healthy wisdom
teeth that do not cause jaw pain or are not positioned in a way that makes them
difficult to clean.
Unfortunately, it is not always that simple, and wisdom
teeth are often troublesome enough to warrant their removal.
When removal is necessary
While many people who have wisdom teeth removed tend to be
in their 20s or younger, you shouldn't think of removal as age-specific.
Rather, the timing of extraction is related to whether or not there is a
problem with its development / rash, or whether its presence causes dental pain
or problems in the mouth, such as misalignment of the bite.
Generally speaking, the following symptoms may indicate
problems with wisdom teeth and warrant their removal:
Tender, red, swollen, or bleeding gums at the back of the
mouth
Pain and / or swelling in the jaw.
Chronic bad breath
Soft tissue infections in the back of the mouth.
Cysts
Periodontitis
Cavities
Damage to adjacent molars
One of the main concerns with erupting wisdom teeth is
spacing. There may not be enough room when teeth come in, which can cause
wisdom teeth to press against neighboring teeth, causing pain, swelling, and
possible bite irregularities. This is called retained wisdom teeth (retained
teeth may erupt horizontally rather than vertically, preventing them from
growing properly).
Although wisdom teeth can come out without pressing
excessively against other teeth, there may not yet be enough room to brush and
floss, putting you at risk for cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Swelling of the gum tissue can make this problem worse and exacerbate dental
problems.
While wisdom tooth extraction is usually associated with one
of the above problems, there is another case where healthy wisdom teeth can
also be removed. If you are receiving orthodontic care with braces to help
correct bite irregularities, removing your wisdom teeth can help make room for
the realignment of crowded teeth and streamline the process.
Trust your dentist
Given the common nature of wisdom teeth problems and
removal, dentists generally begin monitoring their development with patients
around the age of 14. X-rays are used to identify possible complications, such
as impacted teeth, and indicate the need for extraction. Your dentist can also
monitor the effect on the surrounding teeth to determine if there is a
possibility of spacing problems that could cause discomfort, swelling, etc.
Most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth (when warranted)
before the teeth have fully grown and their roots have taken root. This makes
it easier to remove and can reduce recovery time.
It is important to note that wisdom teeth are not necessary
for a healthy and balanced smile. Unlike other missing teeth, which can cause
bite irregularities and other dental problems, wisdom teeth do not play a
critical role in oral health. That said, your dentist is unlikely to recommend
extraction if there are no dental problems associated with your wisdom teeth.
Extraction after age 30 is rare, but your dentist will continue to monitor your
wisdom teeth as latent problems can arise at any time.
Later in life, wisdom teeth can break down from wear and
tear, like all other teeth. If the cracks become large enough to warrant a
major dental restoration, such as a root canal and a crown, dentists generally
do not recommend repairing the wisdom tooth. In such cases, removal may be
recommended.
If you feel pain or tenderness around your posterior molars,
talk to your dentist.
For more information, see our additional guide.
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