How old are you? This is usually one of the first questions your dentist might ask when you’re considering getting your wisdom teeth removed. Why? Well, most people experience issues with their wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 and 25, and this is also the best time to remove them.
Why is that? In your teens and early twenties, the roots of your wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and your jawbone isn’t as dense. This makes it easier to remove the teeth and helps ensure a smoother recovery. It doesn’t mean that people over 30 won’t have problems or need their wisdom teeth out, but it’s often simpler to handle this before you turn 30.
It’s generally accepted that few people over 30 need their wisdom teeth removed, but it can still happen. That’s why it’s proactive to talk to your dentist about it before any issues appear.
What sort of issues? Here are the main reasons you might need wisdom teeth removal:
1. Overcrowding: This can cause your other teeth to misalign.
2. Impaction: A tooth gets stuck, leading to swollen gums and damaged nearby teeth.
3. Gum disease or decay: If a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, it can be hard to clean and may get infected.
4. Swollen and irritated gums: This happens when a tooth can’t fully emerge through the gum tissue.
These problems are rarely resolved without removing the wisdom teeth. For example, if you leave tightly packed teeth in place, they will continue shifting over time, causing more issues. The constant pressure can damage neighboring teeth or make them hard to clean, leading to decay and possibly abscesses.
Additionally, a partially erupted tooth in the back of your mouth is difficult to clean, making it prone to decay and gum irritation. This can lead to significant issues if not addressed.
So, if you’re questioning whether to avoid wisdom teeth removal due to age or other reasons, think about the potential problems of keeping them. You might face ongoing pain, persistent decay, and misalignment of your bite, which can lead to conditions like TMJ or chronic headaches.
The best approach is to discuss your wisdom teeth situation with your dentist before you turn 30. However, if you’re older and your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, it’s still important to seek professional advice and take action.