Most of us get 32 permanent adult teeth over the course of our life. The last teeth to emerge are typically the wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars. While some patients get their wisdom teeth as early as age 11, it is much more typical for these final adult teeth to emerge in the late teens or early 20s. The problem with wisdom teeth is that, for most people, the jawbone simply does not have enough space to accommodate them. This can contribute to crowding, chronic pain, or impaction if not addressed early.
If your wisdom teeth are causing any of these issues, the best approach is to have them removed. But what if you have wisdom teeth that are not currently causing you any symptoms? It may still be wise to have them extracted as a preventative step, allowing you to avoid more serious complications down the road. At Highlands Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery, we are here to advise on your need for wisdom teeth extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal as a Preventative Measure
Just because your wisdom teeth are not currently causing you pain, that does not mean they will not cause issues later. Therefore, dentists typically recommend having your wisdom teeth removed as early as possible.
The big problem with wisdom teeth is that if there is insufficient space for them to erupt as normal, they may become impacted, which means they stay trapped under the gum tissue. This can cause many different complications, including:
- Crowding issues, which can emerge when the wisdom teeth push healthy teeth into misalignment.
- An increased risk of oral infection, as impacted teeth are very difficult to clean properly.
- Cysts that develop on the gums and contribute to chronic pain.
Why Have the Wisdom Teeth Removed Early?
There are several benefits to having your wisdom teeth extracted sooner rather than later.
These advantages include:
- Waiting until you are older can make the wisdom teeth removal process slightly more complicated since the tooth roots are deeper.
- Having your wisdom teeth removed later in life may also contribute to a longer recovery.
- By having your wisdom teeth removed earlier in life, you can significantly reduce your risk of other dental complications.
Is it Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If your wisdom teeth have emerged and you have not yet talked to a dentist about having them removed, we recommend scheduling a consultation soon. And if your wisdom teeth have already started causing you discomfort, reach out to Dr. Hambleton at Highlands Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery to schedule a consultation.
