Wisdom Teeth Removal: When Is the Right Time?

Dr. Mitul Patel and the dedicated team at Hello Family Dental in Suwanee proudly serve the residents of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, and the communities North of Atlanta with expert wisdom teeth removal services. If you have wisdom teeth that need to be removed, we can help with oral surgery. At our family-oriented, inclusive dental practice, your comfort and oral health are our biggest priorities. We are dedicated to helping you obtain your best oral health and a beautiful, fully functional smile for life.

Wisdom tooth removal is a standard dental procedure that is often performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Many people are unsure when the right time to have wisdom teeth removed is. In this article, we will discuss the different factors that play into determining when the best time for wisdom teeth removal is. We will also provide some general advice on wisdom teeth removal for those considering having the procedure done.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an individual’s third set of molars that develop in the back of the mouth. In most cases, wisdom teeth develop much later than other teeth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Third molars are called “wisdom teeth” because they are the last teeth to come in, and they typically replace your baby teeth. Wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset but sometimes they can be problematic and need to be removed.

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems. These include pain, crowding, gum disease, and tooth decay. In some cases, these third molars may not even come in at all. If wisdom teeth are causing issues, they will likely need to be removed with oral surgery.

Should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems such as pain, discomfort, sinus issues, tooth decay, or crowding, it is time to consult with your dentist to see if you will need a wisdom tooth extraction. In some cases, wisdom teeth may not even come in at all or can partially erupt. If wisdom teeth are causing issues, they will likely need to be removed.

The general timeline for when to have your wisdom teeth extracted is when you turn 17-25 years old. The reason for this is that the roots of wisdom teeth are not fully developed until this age. If you remove wisdom teeth removed before the roots are fully developed, there is a greater risk for complications. Your dentist will be able to determine the best age of wisdom teeth removal.

Each patient’s situation is different, and it is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to see if wisdom teeth removal is right for you.

Some factors that should be considered include:

The Age of the Patient

Most patients undergo wisdom tooth extraction between the ages of 17-25. A child’s wisdom teeth roots are not fully formed, and removing them too early can lead to other complications. Typically older patients only need wisdom tooth removal if they have impacted wisdom teeth or have an infection.

Pain

Wisdom teeth can cause damage to surrounding teeth, sinus issues, infection, or other complications.

Crowding

Crowding caused by wisdom teeth can cause damage and impact nearby teeth along with other issues.

Tooth Decay or Gum Disease

If there is evidence of tooth decay or gum disease around the wisdom teeth, this can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition to causing pain and bad breath, it can potentially lead to complications with your gums, jaw, and other teeth.

How is wisdom teeth removal performed?

An endodontist or oral surgeon typically performs wisdom teeth removal. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area surrounding the third molars. In some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax during the procedure.

The actual removal of the wisdom teeth is typically a quick and easy process. Wisdom tooth extraction can often be done in the office as an outpatient procedure. The teeth are loosened and then pulled out. In some cases, the roots of the wisdom teeth may need to be removed as well. This is typically a more complicated process and can take a little longer to complete.

Following surgery, patients given local anesthesia will often spend a brief amount of time in the dental chair recovering. Patients given general anesthesia will often be taken to a recovery room to be monitored.

What is the recovery like?

The recovery from wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the individual. Most people experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure. This is normal and can be managed with pain medication and ice. It is essential to follow all instructions given by your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure a quick and easy recovery.

It is typical to expect some oozing or bleeding following surgery. Your dentist will place gauze in your mouth to assist with clotting to help slow and stop the bleeding. Avoid excessive spitting, drinking with a straw, and smoking to help prevent dislodging the blood clot and developing a dry socket.

Post-surgery, follow all dietary and hygiene recommendations provided by your dentist. Make sure to ask your dentist about when you can return to your normal daily activities. Your dentist will also provide you with information about any stitches you may have received and if you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have them removed. Recovery time will vary between patients.

Your dentist will provide you with symptoms to be alert for that may indicate a sign of infection, nerve damage, or other complications following tooth extraction. Some symptoms to be on the lookout for include excessive pain that is not resolved with pain medication, excessive bleeding, swelling that will not resolve or worsens, a foul taste or smell in your mouth, fever, loss of feeling that will not resolve, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Give Hello Family Dental a call today if you have wisdom tooth pain!

Dr. Mitul Patel at Hello Family Dental is ready to help you take the next steps towards maintaining your beautiful smile! He has extensive training and a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, including surgical treatments. Schedule your consultation today to see if wisdom teeth extraction is right for you and what treatment would be the best fitting for you.