Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth removal seems to be a common procedure. Most people in their late teens or early 20s get their wisdom teeth extracted. But is wisdom teeth removal necessary for everyone? Perhaps not. 

How do you know if you should have your wisdom teeth removed? Here’s what oral surgeons take into consideration when making wisdom teeth recommendations. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth? 

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars that develop in the back of your mouth behind your 12 year molars. Wisdom teeth usually develop in young adulthood between the ages of 17 and 25, which is how they got their name. These molars are typically quite large, which often causes problems for people who don’t have enough room for them in their mouth. 

Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Extraction 

Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted for any of the following reasons: 

• One or more wisdom teeth came in crooked. Wisdom teeth often come in at an angle that is not ideal for proper alignment of the teeth. In turn, this can cause pockets in the gums for food and bacteria to become regularly trapped in, leading to hygiene and oral health issues. 
• One or more wisdom teeth are impacted. Due to their large size, wisdom teeth often become stuck in the jaw or under the 12 year molars and fail to erupt through the gums. In this situation the teeth are considered to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may damage your jaw, underlying nerves, or the roots of the other molars. They are also highly susceptible to infection. Crowding and malalignment often result in frequent pain and headaches. 
• The wisdom teeth are causing orthodontic problems. If the wisdom teeth are exerting force on the other teeth due to their size or incorrect position, it can cause the other teeth to shift out of proper alignment. 
• The wisdom teeth are negatively affecting your oral health. If the presence of wisdom teeth has any negative effect on your oral health, such as infection, jaw pain, or damage to other teeth or tissues, they should be removed. 

Reasons Not To Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted 

In some cases there is no reason to have your wisdom teeth extracted, such as: 

• They are in the proper place. Some people have plenty of room for their wisdom teeth to come in properly and stay in place without damage or problems. 
• The extraction procedure has risks. If there is no oral health reason to remove the wisdom teeth, you would be exposing yourself to unnecessary risks and side effects that come with wisdom teeth extraction. 
• Low risk of future problems. Your oral surgeon can assess the position and size of your wisdom teeth, as well as the size of your jaw, and make a recommendation for wisdom teeth removal. If your wisdom teeth are not currently causing any problems and there is a low risk that any future problems will develop, extraction may not be necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Do you have to be put to sleep for wisdom teeth extraction? 

There are different types of anesthesia and various levels of sedation that may be recommended for wisdom teeth extraction. The best type of anesthesia for you will depend on your individual situation, overall health and preferences. 

What is the best age to have your wisdom teeth removed? 

The best age to have your wisdom teeth removed is typically between the ages of 17 and 25. The younger you are when your wisdom teeth are extracted, the less likely that they will have a negative effect on your oral health. But ultimately, the best age for your wisdom teeth to be extracted will be determined by your oral surgeon. 

Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation 

If you’re wondering if you or your child needs to have your wisdom teeth removed, schedule a consultation with Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park. We will carefully evaluate your wisdom teeth and make the best recommendation for your oral health based on your own unique needs. 

Call 904-269-5195 or contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment.