Wisdom teeth should be removed when they lack sufficient space to grow properly, which often leads to complications. While not everyone requires extraction, approximately 90 percent of people experience at least one impacted tooth.
Removal is typically recommended when the following signs or conditions occur:
- Impaction: When teeth remain trapped in the jawbone or gums, potentially causing crowding, misalignment of other teeth, or damage to adjacent molars.
- Physical Symptoms: Persistent jaw pain, stiffness, swelling or tenderness in the gums, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Infection and Decay: Repeated infections, such as pericoronitis (inflammation around partially erupted teeth), or when teeth are partially erupted and trap food particles.
- Proactive Prevention: If x-rays show potential risks like cysts or if the teeth are positioned horizontally against other molars.
At Smilo Family Dental, early evaluation is encouraged during young adulthood (typically between ages 17 and 25) because younger patients generally recover faster due to less developed roots. Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth that can be easily cleaned and do not cause alignment issues rarely require removal.
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