Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, generally begin to emerge between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five years old. While most individuals have four wisdom teeth in total located at the very rear of their mouths, some individuals will have fewer, while others do not develop any wisdom teeth at all. Whatever the case for each individual, these are the last of the permanent teeth to emerge.
Historically, the term “wisdom teeth” has been used for decades and relates to the age of life when this type of tooth typically appears, rather than any correlation to a person’s level of maturity or intelligence. Many wisdom teeth emerge without causing any issues. Other individuals experience problems as the wisdom teeth grow or erupt, such as discomfort, crowding, abscesses, or infection, all of which require dental intervention. In certain cases, the wisdom teeth need to be extracted immediately for the sake of your dental health.
When Wisdom Teeth Should Stay
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If there is sufficient space in the jaw and if the wisdom teeth come in properly, then wisdom teeth are just as functional as any other molar. Healthy wisdom teeth are those that are visible (fully above the gumline), straight, and aligned with adjacent teeth. They are easy to clean during daily brushing and flossing.
Before they appear, wisdom teeth should be monitored via regular dental appointments. X-ray images all your dentist to examine these adult teeth before their eruption. Early observation by a dentist provides insight into whether your wisdom teeth will cause problems in the future. Wisdom teeth that should successfully progress to maturity are best left alone.
Wisdom Teeth That Need Removal
Problems develop when wisdom teeth lack space or grow in at improper angles. These impacted wisdom teeth may become trapped under the gum line, under other teeth, or may dislodge adjacent teeth, resulting in pain, swelling, or infection. The following are some common indicators that your wisdom teeth need to be removed:
- Jaw soreness or pressure in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth comfortably
- Repeated jaw infections
- Crowding that affects the nearby teeth
In many cases, the sooner the impacted wisdom teeth are removed, the better the post-extraction recovery will be. The tooth roots of younger patients are smaller, and teenage bone tissue heals faster after extractions.
Protecting Oral Health
Pay attention to your wisdom teeth! Regular monitoring by a dental professional helps you to know whether or not you need to extract them. Ultimately, the purpose of leaving or removing wisdom teeth is to preserve your oral health for life. Failure to remove problematic wisdom teeth may lead to an increased incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, cyst formations, and damage to adjacent teeth. Your dentist can evaluate your specific situation and make recommendations regarding the optimal time for removal of your wisdom teeth based upon the comfort, functionality, and long-term stability of all your teeth.
Paramount Dental offers routine preventive care, evaluations of your wisdom teeth, and emergency dental care when wisdom teeth must come out. If you notice discomfort in the vicinity of your wisdom teeth or you suddenly develop severe pain, please contact our office immediately. We are committed to restoring comfort and protecting your oral health at every stage of life!
