Why and When You Should Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, especially among young people. But is it always necessary to remove these back molars? The team at Periodontist of Weston is here to explain when wisdom teeth extraction is necessary, and why you might want to consider this approach for yourself or your child. 

Understanding wisdom teeth and their importance

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in your upper and lower arch at the very back of your jaw. They’re a type of vestigial human anatomy, which simply means they once played an important role in the human body but are no longer necessary. 

Researchers believe that wisdom teeth were needed by our distant ancestors to break down the tough foods that were available at that time. Even today, foods like nuts, raw plants, and certain tough meats require a lot more chewing effort than other options. 

Over time, humans began cooking food, a process that broke down some of the more fibrous options and made them easier to chew. As the generations passed, these back molars were no longer needed. Our jaws became more compact, making it difficult for wisdom teeth to emerge from the gums in a normal orientation. 

Technically, we no longer need our wisdom teeth. But that doesn’t mean you should automatically book a visit to have them surgically removed. 

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a decision that you should make in partnership with Dr. Segal. Here are some of the issues that make wisdom teeth extraction a good approach:

Impaction

If your wisdom tooth is fully trapped beneath your gum tissue, it’s possible for the tooth to become infected or develop a cyst. An infection can damage your tooth and bone tissue, weakening the tooth/bone connection of adjacent teeth. 

Crowding

Very often, there’s not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to come in properly. These back molars can press against the next set of molars, causing your teeth to shift out of alignment. This crowding isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it can also make it more difficult to properly clean your teeth. 

Partial eruption

Sometimes a wisdom tooth begins to emerge from the gums but can’t fully grow in. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a space where bacteria can gain entry into the gum tissue, creating an infection. The fact that wisdom teeth are situated so far back in the mouth means they’re harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Of course, wisdom teeth that cause pain or damage the nearby teeth should be removed. 

When is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed?

The ideal age for wisdom teeth removal is between 16 and 25. That’s because your wisdom teeth are fully formed by this time, and your body usually heals faster while you’re still young. 

Waiting to have your wisdom teeth removed can increase the risk of complications during the procedure. Nerve damage is possible, especially if your wisdom tooth roots have grown closer to your nerves over the years. 

That said, if you’re beyond young adulthood and experience pain or other issues with your wisdom teeth, extraction is still possible. Dr. Segal has the training and experience to safely remove wisdom teeth in older patients. 

If you have more questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extraction, we’re happy to provide more in-depth information and guidance on the matter. Just reach out to Periodontist of Weston online or by phone to schedule a visit. 

Dr. Segal examines your teeth and provides X-ray imaging to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is right for you, and explains what to expect from the process.