While everyone is different, most people find that their third molars or wisdom teeth grow in between ages 17 and 21. Of course, it’s possible for them to make their debut earlier or later. In a perfect world, your third molars would grow without any problems. The reality, however, is that it’s very common for them to get impacted, meaning there’s not enough room for them to grow properly.
There are a number of reasons for impacted teeth. You may experience them because your teeth grew in at an angle or got trapped under your gum line. Or perhaps there isn’t room along your jaw for the additional teeth. Even if your wisdom teeth don’t get impacted, you may face other issues like infection, crowding, and a crooked smile.
If you experience symptoms like jaw swelling, jaw pain, or tender or bleeding gums, you probably need your wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later. An unpleasant taste in your mouth, constant bad breath, and challenges with opening your mouth may also indicate that your wisdom teeth are due for removal.
Wisdom Teeth Usually Require Removal
The bottom line is that in most cases, those teeth need to be removed. Not always, but very often. Here at Tryon Family Dentistry, many patients wonder about the best age for removal. While there’s no specific age you need to get your third molars extracted by, we highly recommend that they be removed in early adulthood.
It is possible to remove wisdom teeth later in life but the process will likely be more complicated. Some older adults may need to get those teeth removed because they’ve become infected or impacted. It’s important to note that as you get older, your roots will grow longer and become more entrenched in the jaw. This almost always leads to a longer healing and recovery process.
According to the American Dental Association, waiting can also put you at risk for a number of complications. Since wisdom teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, you’ll be more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, when wisdom teeth erupt through your gums partially, the site will act as a breeding ground for bacteria and may turn into an infection or even tumors and cysts. These tumors and cysts can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth. We always encourage patients to address any teeth issues early before they cause damage.
If you’re unsure of whether you need your wisdom teeth out, be sure to visit our office on a regular basis for exams and cleanings. We’ll keep an eye on your extra molars and recommend removal if necessary to help you avoid pain and discomfort down the road. If you ignore routine visits to the dentist, you may miss the optimal time to get your wisdom teeth removed and deal with complications down the road.
Schedule an Appointment at Tryon Family Dentistry
For more information on teeth removal at Tryon Family Dentistry, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. Call us at 919-249-6799 today! We look forward to hearing from you!
