Why Age Is Important For Wisdom Tooth Management

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop in the jaws. This third set of molars (also known as third molars) may begin to develop between the ages of 7 and 10, but they don’t typically become evident until much later, between the ages of 17 and 22. 

More often than not, wisdom teeth require management. Far fewer people have their wisdom teeth in place without problems than those who have had theirs removed. Why is this? What age is best to have your wisdom teeth extracted? Learn the answers to these questions and more about wisdom teeth and your oral health. 

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Problematic 

The problem with wisdom teeth is that most people don’t have adequate space for them in the mouth. As humans have evolved, our jaws have become smaller, and there just is not always enough room to accommodate a third set of teeth.  Because of space limitation, wisdom teeth do not always develop properly, and rarely erupt into the mouth.  In many cases, the teeth become entrapped under the gums and bone, which is referred to as tooth impaction.

Heavy crowding of the teeth due to limited space causes wisdom teeth to encroach upon and push against adjacent teeth. Not only can this cause damage to the teeth, but it forces the neighboring teeth out of their proper position. 

Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, the sooner the better in most cases. As soon as the teeth erupt or appear to be fully developed in X-ray images, it is possible to determine if they will need to be extracted. Wisdom teeth removal is most appropriate between the ages of 17 and 22. The longer third molars remain unmanaged, the greater the chance of permanent damage to the other teeth and surrounding structures.  

Risks of Waiting Too Long to Remove Wisdom Teeth 

There are some significant risks associated with wisdom teeth that are left in place further into adulthood. The passage of time allows for advancement and extension of disease, and increasing age is associated with more complicated and riskier surgery and prolonged recovery times. 

• Damage to teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause permanent damage to the teeth and roots of the 12 year molars that are next to them. 
• Damage to the jaw. When there is not enough room for wisdom teeth in the jaw, it can put unnecessary strain on the jaw bone. The risk of jaw fracture is increased with trauma.
• Infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause an infection of the gum tissue that may also spread to the jaw, face and neck.
• Orthodontic problems. As wisdom teeth push against the 12 year molars it causes all of the teeth to shift forward, resulting in crowding and other orthodontic problems. It may even cause a relapse after orthodontic treatment. 
• Nerve Injury. Nerve injury is a known complication of third molar surgery that becomes statistically more likely with age.  Early management can mitigate nerve injury and other types of complications. 
• Cysts and Tumors.  Impacted teeth can form developmental cysts and tumors that are destructive to the jaws and adjacent teeth, and can (in rare cases) become cancerous. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

What type of anesthesia/sedation is used for wisdom teeth removal?

There are a few different types of anesthesia that may be used for wisdom teeth removal. The type of anesthesia required will depend on the length and complexity of the procedure and individual needs of the patient. 

Do wisdom teeth always need to be extracted? 

In some cases wisdom teeth come in properly without any issues. In these cases, it may not be necessary to extract them. However, early consultation with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is strongly encouraged to avoid unanticipated problems later on. 

Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal Today 

If you or your child has problematic wisdom teeth that need to be removed, don’t delay a specialty consultation. The longer you wait, the greater the negative impact on oral health. Lucca Oral & Facial Surgery provides wisdom teeth management with a range of sedation options for your comfort. 
Call 617-300-0345 or contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment.