What age do people get their wisdom teeth out

What age do people get their wisdom teeth out
Many patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed even if they are not having any problems with them. One motivating factor for this is the relationship between the patient’s age and the oral surgery. The extraction procedure and subsequent recovery tends to be easier on patients in their late teens and early twenties.

Therefore, if you are planning to have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist may recommend that you do so before age 25. As patients get older, the roots of those teeth get longer and more solidified in the jaw, making it more difficult to remove them. The greater complexity of wisdom tooth extraction in older patients may also make the recovery more difficult.

Why do so many people even have their wisdom teeth removed, you may ask? In modern humans, the wisdom teeth often become impacted because our jaws are much smaller than those of our ancestors. There is not enough room for those large third molars—the largest teeth we have—to emerge properly.

Because some bone material may be obscuring these teeth, they often must be removed surgically rather than with a simple extraction.

When these teeth become impacted, they can be more susceptible to a host of problems, such as cysts, tumors, abscesses and decay. They may also be more likely to damage surrounding teeth and knock the smile out of alignment as they continue to try to push through the gums.

With x-rays and a visual examination of the jaw, a dentist can determine the likelihood of wisdom tooth impaction in relatively young patients. Therefore, the patient should have ample opportunity to decide whether to proceed with extraction before the wisdom teeth’s roots are entrenched in the jaw.

If you still have your wisdom teeth and are in your late teens or early twenties, schedule an evaluation at either of our convenient locations to learn whether you should consider having them extracted. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of extraction to make a fully informed decision.

19 Nov At what age should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Posted at 17:15h in wisdom teeth Dubuque

It seems like having your wisdom teeth removed has become another rite of passage marking the transition between adolescence and adulthood. A significant number of patients undergo oral surgery for wisdom tooth extraction before they reach their mid-twenties.

The wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth, and most people’s jaws aren’t big enough to allow them to erupt properly. Consequently, the wisdom teeth become impacted, and when this happens, they may need to be removed by an oral surgeon.

There’s a reason why so many teenagers and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed. As patients get older, the wisdom teeth’s roots grow longer and more solidified in the jaw, which makes it more difficult to extract those teeth. Older patients also recuperate more slowly following the procedure. As a result, the general recommendation is for patients to have their wisdom teeth removed by age 25. [pullquote]The wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth, and most people’s jaws aren’t big enough to allow them to erupt properly. [/pullquote]

Patients may be tempted to postpone wisdom tooth extraction if they’re not experiencing symptoms, and there is certainly a chance that a patient’s wisdom teeth will never cause a problem even if they don’t erupt.

However, impacted wisdom teeth also have the potential to cause serious issues, and this is why many patients opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted as a proactive measure. The list of potential complications of impacted wisdom teeth includes cysts, tumors, abscesses and infections. The wisdom teeth can also cause discomfort and lead to misalignment in the other teeth as they continue to try to emerge.

While it is recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth removed before age 25, patients who are older than that can still undergo the extraction procedure. They should work with their oral surgeon to reduce their risk of complications and be prepared for a longer timeframe for healing.

Patients in their mid-teens can have their wisdom teeth removed, and we encourage those who have reached their mid-twenties and still have their wisdom teeth to consult with one of our oral surgeons to discuss extraction.

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars — the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth — that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.

Scientists believe that wisdom teeth were essential for our early ancestors’ diets. But as our jawlines’ shape and size evolved over time, our mouths became smaller. This left us with less room for these extra teeth to grow. 

That’s why today, wisdom teeth often cause physical discomfort and can potentially cause serious oral health problems. While most dentists favor removing them at an early age, not everyone experiences issues when they’re young. Instead, oral problems related to our wisdom teeth can sometimes crop up as we age.

Though there are some challenges for adults over 50, removing your wisdom teeth may help you take care of oral health problems and encourage great oral health in the long-term. Only your dentist can determine if you’ll benefit from a tooth extraction.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal After 50

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Your jaw is fully developed by the time you are in your early 20s. In general, if there’s enough space for wisdom teeth to fit comfortably, your dentist may leave them alone. Researchers say that there are no proven health benefits to pulling wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems.

Wisdom teeth may cause issues later in life, however. Their location makes it difficult to properly brush and floss this area of your mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum infections. An impacted wisdom tooth — one that is partially or fully under your gums — is even more vulnerable to oral health problems.

As an adult, you may need to have these back molars removed if a tooth is becoming infected or impacted. Your doctor may also recommend wisdom tooth extraction if:

  • There’s damage to the surrounding teeth
  • Your teeth are shifting or overcrowding
  • Gum disease is present, increasing the risk of abscesses
  • A cyst forms that can damage the bone or roots

Pros and Cons of Wisdom Tooth Removal After 50

Wisdom tooth-related problems can cause more damage over time to areas such as nearby teeth, gums, jawbone, or nerves. Extraction often helps people avoid these issues as they age, but your dentist might recommend other treatment options before removing the tooth.

This is because oral surgery can be more challenging for adults over the age of 50. However, you’re not too old to benefit from the outcomes. 

Removing your wisdom teeth as an adult can lead to:

  • A more involved procedure since bone density increases with age compared to children
  • Longer timeframe to heal
  • Greater risk of post-operative issues like bleeding, infection, or nerve injury

Adults can limit these complications by keeping a good oral care routine and visiting their dentist regularly. With frequent checkups, your dentist can catch emerging issues as early as possible. This attentiveness can also reduce surgical risks that increase with age or the need for extraction altogether.  

You should keep your dentist informed of any changes to your health as well, including new medical conditions and medications or supplements you may be taking. Having a complete picture of your health helps a dentist personalize your treatment and recovery plan. This helps ensure you know what to expect from a wisdom tooth extraction and streamline a smoother recovery. 

Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

Oral health problems, including those caused by a wisdom tooth, often advance quickly without treatment. These symptoms don’t guarantee you’ll need your wisdom teeth pulled, but you should contact your dentist if you have:

  • Persistent pain and irritation around the back of your mouth
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Sinus issues and difficulty eating
  • Signs of oral infection, like jaw tenderness, redness, and bad breath

Your dentist will perform an oral exam to look for additional signs that indicate a wisdom tooth should be removed, such as:

  • Infection in the tooth or soft tissue
  • Damage to nearby teeth or shifting teeth alignment
  • Extensive tooth decay or bone loss
  • Gum disease
  • Cysts or jaw tumors

Only your dentist can determine if it’s necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Ultimately, every person’s mouth is different. There may be alternative treatments that are more effective for you, especially if issues are treated early.

The best way to prevent problems from your wisdom teeth is to be proactive. Make sure that you get a cleaning and checkup every six months and inform your dentist of any changes you experience. 

Can I get my wisdom teeth removed at 16?

Wisdom teeth can be extracted at any age after they erupt. But the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) notes that most patients opt to have them out between the ages of 17-25. The reasons are pretty simple.

Do wisdom teeth come out at 14?

The final stage in the development of your child's teeth are their wisdom teeth, otherwise known as their third molars. This can happen as early as age 14 or 15 with some patients, though many people will not experience this stage until they're into their twenties.

Can you get your wisdom teeth removed at 13?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to erupt into proper position it is best to have them removed before the wisdom teeth are fully developed. For some patients, this may be as early as 13 or 14, for others it may be as late as 17 or 18 years old.

At what age do wisdom teeth become a problem?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) become impacted because they don't have enough room to come in (erupt) or develop normally. Wisdom teeth usually emerge sometime between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people have wisdom teeth that emerge without any problems and line up with the other teeth behind the second molars.