Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that is often performed in young adults. Typically the wisdom teeth removal age is around your late teens to early twenties. However, there are some instances when wisdom teeth are removed later and even some instances where they should not be removed altogether. In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the age at which wisdom teeth should be removed and when they should be left alone. We will also provide tips on how to care for wisdom teeth if they are not removed.
What Age Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?
As stated previously, the typical wisdom teeth removal age is between your late teens and early twenties. However, there is not a specific age when an individual should get their wisdom teeth removed. All wisdom teeth are different and some wisdom teeth may not need to be removed at all. In fact, there are many benefits of keeping wisdom teeth that patients often don’t hear about not to mention not having to pay an expensive wisdom teeth removal cost. The decision of if/when to remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis based on these specific factors:
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Fully Impacted?
If your wisdom teeth are fully impacted, meaning they are growing in at an angle or not erupting through the gums as well as being fully sealed off by the gum tissue, they may not need to be taken out. This is because there is no place for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. In fact, fully impacted wisdom teeth that are left alone and not removed have a very low chance of causing problems.
On the other hand, if wisdom teeth are only partially impacted or if they have already begun to erupt through the gums, they are more likely to cause problems. This is because partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even infections. If wisdom teeth are only partially impacted, it is best to have them removed to avoid these potential problems.
To test if a wisdom tooth is fully impacted dentists use a periodontal probe. The periodontal probe is a dental instrument, essentially a long stick, that is used to measure the depth of the gum pocket around a tooth and see if the tooth is completely covered.
How Far Have the Wisdom Teeth Roots Grown?
Another factor that affects the wisdom teeth removal age is how far the wisdom teeth roots have grown. As we get older wisdom teeth are going to further develop their roots. If wisdom tooth roots have grown too long, it may become riskier to undergo the extraction procedure.
This is a bigger concern in the lower jaw where wisdom teeth roots can grow around the neurovascular bundle. If wisdom tooth roots have grown around the neurovascular bundle, removing them may pose a serious risk to the bundle. If the extraction causes damage to the surrounding nerves it can lead to complications such as nerve damage, numbness, or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin. In these cases, wisdom teeth may be recommended to be left alone.
On the other hand, if wisdom teeth roots have not grown too long, the extraction procedure will be much simpler and there will be less risk involved.
To determine how far wisdom teeth roots have grown, dentists will often order an X-ray that will show the wisdom teeth roots and where they are in relation to the surrounding structures.
Are You Able to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth Clean?
Another factor that affects the decision to remove wisdom teeth is how easily the teeth can be cleaned. This is because wisdom teeth are located in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and can be difficult to keep clean. If wisdom teeth are not properly cleaned, they are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease.
To assess whether a tooth can easily be cleaned, dentists will look for plaque and tartar buildup around the wisdom tooth. They will also check to see if the wisdom tooth is in alignment with the other teeth. If the wisdom tooth is crooked, making it difficult to reach with a toothbrush, it may be more difficult to keep clean and should be removed. Additionally, if the patient has a history of cavities or gum disease, wisdom teeth may be more difficult to keep clean and should be removed.
Keeping your wisdom teeth clean is entirely dependent on you. It means brushing and flossing your wisdom teeth every day, making sure to get the back teeth, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings. If you are not able or willing to do this, wisdom teeth may be more difficult to keep clean and should be removed.
Are You Personally Experiencing Problems with Your Wisdom Teeth?
Even if wisdom teeth are not fully impacted or can be easily cleaned, they may still need to be removed if the patient is personally experiencing problems with their wisdom teeth.
Typically, if you are over the age of 30 and have never had problems with your wisdom teeth they don’t need to be removed. If a patient is experiencing pain, swelling, or other problems with their wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed.
At the end of the day, the final decision of whether or not to remove wisdom teeth should be made by the patient themselves. Dentists exist to provide information and guidance, but the ultimate decision should be made by the patient.
Do Your Wisdom Teeth Have Cavities/Infections/Cysts?
If wisdom teeth have cavities, infections, or cysts, they will need to be removed. This is because these conditions can cause serious problems if left untreated. Cavities can lead to tooth decay, infections can lead to abscesses, and cysts can damage the jawbone.
It is best to have wisdom teeth removed if they are experiencing any of these conditions. These are signs that you cannot keep your wisdom teeth clean, which can cause problems down the road.
Did You Know Many Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedures May Not Be Necessary?
Just because your wisdom teeth are coming in doesn’t mean they need to be taken out: The TRUTH is that only about 10-20% of wisdom teeth ever develop problems. Yet most young people have their wisdom teeth removed “just in case.” How come?
Surprisingly, the majority of people who reside in Canada or the United States will be advised to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, most people who live in Europe will probably be told not to get their wisdom teeth removed.
The reason wisdom teeth removal is so easily recommended so often is that it makes a lot of money. Wisdom tooth extractions cost United States citizens around $4 billion per year! Additionally, patients spend approximately $400 million every year on wisdom tooth removal in Canada! Dentists have a financial incentive to push treatment because it earns them money. One may simply investigate the websites of their local dentists and many will consistently urge wisdom tooth extraction.
As with all big business, part of that money feeds misinformation, such as myths about wisdom teeth. Make sure to always be an active participant in your own dental health. Research your options, ask questions and use sources such as WebMD to make a decision about whether you need a wisdom tooth removal. Yes, they should be removed in a lot of cases, but there will also be many situations where they won’t.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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