If you grow wisdom teeth in your late teens or early 20s, your dentist might recommend you get them removed. While some patients get their wisdom teeth removed as soon as their dentist notices them developing, other patients choose to wait until adulthood or until the teeth begin to cause negative symptoms. Does age really matter when it comes to wisdom tooth removal? The answer might surprise you.
Wisdom Tooth Development
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow in approximately 60% of the population. Some people will only develop one wisdom tooth, some will grow a full set, and others will not develop any wisdom teeth. Certain ethnic groups are more likely to get wisdom teeth than others. If a person develops these teeth, they usually emerge in the late teens or early 20s. Due to the structure of the mouth, wisdom teeth are likely to be impacted, which can be uncomfortable and impact the alignment of other teeth.
Benefits of Early Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most dentists recommend that patients have wisdom teeth removed as soon as they are noticeable on dental x-rays. Early removal means fewer negative symptoms, such as headaches or jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth. It also reduces the risk of infection or dental issues caused by wisdom teeth later in life.
Talking to an Oral Surgeon
If you are developing wisdom teeth, the Katy Cypress team is here to help. We will evaluate your unique needs and create an extraction plan that works for you. Give us a call at 281-667-0607 to learn more.