While the words “wisdom teeth removal” can conjure feelings of stress and anxiety, it’s actually a common dental procedure that is more like a rite of passage for most teenagers and young adults. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but neglecting to have them checked by a dentist could lead to serious consequences. In general, dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction to help safeguard smiles and divert future complications.

Highlighting Wisdom Teeth Removal

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?

There are several reasons why a dentist might say your wisdom teeth need to go. One of the most common issues is the teeth are stuck, or impacted, under the gums. There’s something keeping them from breaking through, and that pressure will cause problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful and cause things like jaw damage, sinus issues, and inflamed gums. If the teeth aren’t impacted but come in crooked, they could damage the teeth next to them. They’ll bully your molars into misalignment and create bite problems and mouth pain. If you had braces in the past, a rogue wisdom tooth could end up undoing all that orthodontic work.

What’s the Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

There’s no exact age for when a person should have their wisdom teeth removed, but ideally, it’s between 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth usually start to make themselves known during the teenage years, but dentists recommend waiting to have them removed until at least two-thirds of the root system has formed. Teeth are harder to manipulate when they’re less developed, and waiting a few years will usually ensure a smoother surgery. After age 25, however, the root system is either fully developed or close to it. Successful extraction is still possible, but dentists mark patients 25 and older as being at a higher risk of complication.

Dental and oral surgery technology has advanced to the point that wisdom teeth removal is a standard and routine procedure. When you have an oral surgeon you can trust, there’s nothing to worry about.

Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, is a trusted part of the local community. Their staff includes oral health care professionals who specialize in wisdom teeth removal along with other procedures, including same-day crowns and braces. Schedule a consultation by calling (907) 562-2820, or visit their website for more information.