Wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage for many teens and young adults. The teeth are usually removed because they can create oral health problems. To help your teen get ahead of potential issues, learn about the best time to extract the wisdom teeth.

The Ideal Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. As the last teeth to emerge, they often won’t fit into the already full mouth. In that case, they may come in at odd angles, damage the rear molars, shift other teeth out of alignment, or fail to erupt at all.

Most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal between the ages of 14 and 18. At this age, the roots of the wisdom teeth haven’t formed yet, so they’ll be easier to extract. Since the mouth also hasn’t been affected by improper eruption, the surgery sites will likely heal faster, and there will be less risk of infection or other side effects.

Whether removal is necessary varies from patient to patient, which is why you should have your child’s dentist perform an X-ray to make the determination. If they do recommend the procedure, try to schedule it over a long holiday or summer break so your child won’t have to miss school and other activities while healing.

Cases for Emergency Removal

Wisdom teeth removal may be more urgent when certain conditions arise. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause extreme, constant pain, in which case emergency surgery is needed. Partial eruptions may create an open wound where bacteria can enter and damage gum tissue, and crooked teeth may cut into the gums or tongue. If your child experiences sudden pain or oral swelling, seek teeth extraction services right away.

If it’s time for wisdom teeth removal, Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska is your go-to resource. Based in Anchorage, this board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgery practice offers a variety of services, including tooth extraction and anesthesia sedation. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation, and learn more about their services online.