When should I get my Wisdom Teeth Out?

When should I get my Wisdom Teeth Out?

Wisdom teeth are a source of much confusion among dental patients – one of the most frequently asked questions being: When Should I get my Wisdom Teeth Out? While there is no one-sized-fits-all answer to this question, there are some guidelines that are generally agreed upon and can help you decide, with your dentist, if it might be time to have yours removed.

When to Consider Removing Wisdom Teeth

Problems with wisdom teeth typically arise if the teeth never fully come in, press against other teeth, or if there is not enough space at the back of the mouth to keep them clean.

• If your dentist reasonably believes your wisdom teeth will be impacted, or painful, early is generally better. Waiting until roots are well-developed can mean a more painful extraction and longer recovery.
• If your wisdom teeth are painful, infected, damaged, or crowding other teeth, making them painful, or damaged, it is time to discuss removal with your dentist.
• If you require braces, retainers, or other orthodontic or dental appliances, even healthy wisdom teeth may need to be removed before beginning treatment, if they will impede the process.

When you May Not need Wisdom Teeth Removed

In some cases, it is not necessary to remove wisdom teeth. There is no requirement to remove healthy, well situated wisdom teeth – but you should always discuss this with your dentist. For patients over 30, with no pain and no issues, wisdom teeth may never need to be removed. Dentists are sensitive to this, and though most will recommend removing wisdom teeth if any signs of trouble exist, performing unnecessary procedures should never be their first choice.

Don’t Ignore your Wisdom Teeth!

The earlier you ask about your wisdom teeth, the more options you’ll have and the more time your dentist will have to determine the best course of action. Take the time to listen to them. After all, you pay a lot for their expertise, and they have your best interests at heart.