If you or your teen start experiencing tooth crowding or an ache in the back of your mouth behind your molars, you could be experiencing problems with wisdom teeth. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth may need to be removed by your dentist, depending on their condition and the health of your smile. Here is a little more information about wisdom tooth removal and when to seek help. 

A Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Go? 

While traditional wisdom was to remove all wisdom teeth as soon as they erupted, modern dentists will only do so if they’re unhealthy or may cause other problems. For instance, if you are already missing a back molar because of previous decay or an accident, and a wisdom tooth erupts that is healthy and isn’t impacting other teeth, you may be able to keep it. 

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Pulled? 

Unfortunately, complications with wisdom teeth do happen, which is why the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons® states that about 85% of third molars will need to be removed.

Wisdom teeth may not form like normal teeth, developing pitted areas that are prone to decay; plus, they can catch on the gums as they come out. If they become infected or do not erupt properly, they need to be extracted to prevent larger infections. 

They may also need to be extracted if the mouth is not large enough to accommodate the additional teeth, or if the teeth start crowding when they erupt. 

What Age Is Ideal for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, so make sure your teen receives routine dental exams during this time. Wisdom teeth can be spotted quickly on panoramic dental X-rays, so ask your dentist for the test if you haven’t had your wisdom teeth out yet. These additional images allow dentists to see all of the teeth in a straight line, making it easy to check for the presence of incoming ones or extra molars. 

When it’s time you need wisdom teeth removal, contact the dentists at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. For over a decade, these board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have been helping patients with issues like wisdom tooth removal, protecting the bite and preventing infections. To learn more, visit their website. Schedule an appointment by calling (907) 561-1430.