Wisdom teeth, sometimes known as third molars, are frequently medically removed. Learn whether it is suitable to remove wisdom teeth and what to expect during the procedure.
Wisdom tooth growth can cause various issues ranging from overcrowding and pain to shattered back molars and migraines. Most dentists and oral surgeons recommend that wisdom teeth be extracted before you develop these issues. If you do not remove wisdom teeth before encountering problems, it is recommended that you do so at the first sign of trouble.
Everyone's wisdom teeth develop at a different pace. As a result, providing an accurate schedule for when they should be deleted is practically impossible. Most people go through wisdom teeth extraction between 17 and 25. But this is only sometimes the case. Some people will need wisdom teeth out at 14 or 15, while others may be able to wait until they are 25 or 30.
How to Tell If It's Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Your dentist will most likely take x-rays of your whole mouth every year. These X-rays are used to detect cavities and other dental problems but also to track the growth of your wisdom teeth.
Your dentist will initially be able to tell if you have wisdom teeth based on the X-rays. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. The presence of wisdom teeth will be revealed via X-rays.
When it is determined that you have wisdom teeth, your dentist will monitor their development. The X-rays will show your dentist how your wisdom teeth are growing, whether they are impacted by the gum, and whether they are fully matured. All of these considerations will influence whether or not you should schedule oral surgery.
Is There a Better Time to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Oral surgeons frequently prefer to remove wisdom teeth before the roots of the teeth have fully grown. The procedure becomes more complicated when the roots form, and healing time increases. Eliminating the teeth before the roots grow reduces the chance of complications and allows you to heal faster.
The age at which wisdom teeth roots fully grow varies from person to person. However, it is most common between the ages of 14 and 18.
Is It Ever Too Late to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Even while it is often suggested that you have your wisdom teeth removed as an adolescent, this is not a legal obligation. Wisdom teeth can be extracted at any age.
If you have your wisdom teeth removed at an older age, you may experience difficulties. When your wisdom teeth are extracted, the older you are, the more likely you are to have infections, dry sockets, and slower healing.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery?
An oral surgeon will usually remove wisdom teeth as an outpatient procedure. To relax you, a general anesthetic is delivered. Because you are put in such a calm state that you are virtually sleeping, the general anesthetic makes it easier to execute this lengthy treatment. You will have no recollection of the procedure once it is completed.
If the teeth are impacted, the oral surgeon will create a small incision along the gum line to provide access to the wisdom teeth during the treatment. There is no need to create an incision because they are already above the gum line. The wisdom teeth will then be divided into four little portions. To make removal easier, the tooth is sliced into parts. If the tooth is severely affected or the roots have fully developed, some jawbone may need to be removed.
