Redondo & Manhattan Beach: 310-375-0514 | Wisdom teeth are the third molars that arrive between the ages of 17 and 25. While not everyone experiences problems with their wisdom teeth, many people do. This has led to a common dental procedure: wisdom teeth removal. One of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure is, “When is the best time to have my wisdom teeth removed?”
Dental Health Considerations
From a dental health standpoint, the timing of wisdom teeth removal can significantly impact the overall health of the mouth. Both timing and age are crucial factors in minimizing complications and ensuring a smoother recovery.
Ideal Wisdom Teeth Removal – Age 15-16
Our oral surgeons typically recommend that teens have their wisdom teeth removed around the ages of 15-16 for the following reasons:
Reduced Risk of Complications: At this age, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, which significantly lowers the risk of nerve injury during removal.
2. Simpler Procedure: The teeth are smaller and the roots are shorter, making the extraction process less complex and less invasive.
3. Faster Recovery: The less developed roots and smaller teeth result in a less traumatic procedure, leading to quicker and easier recovery.
4. Prevention of Dental Issues: Removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop can prevent potential problems such as impaction, infection, cysts and damage to adjacent teeth.
5. Optimal Healing: Teenagers typically heal faster than older adults, and their bodies are better equipped to handle and recover from surgery.
6. Avoidance of Future Complications: Early removal can prevent the need for more complicated and riskier procedures later in life when the roots are fully developed and integrated with surrounding bone and nerves.
7. Easier Orthodontic Treatment: If orthodontic treatment is necessary, removing wisdom teeth early can prevent them from disrupting the alignment of other teeth.
8. Less Pain and Discomfort: Early removal can avoid the pain and discomfort often associated with wisdom teeth trying to emerge or becoming impacted in adulthood.
At this age, the surgery tends to be less risky, and recovery is generally easier and faster. Removing wisdom teeth before the roots are fully formed also helps prevent future dental issues, such as impaction, infection and overcrowding. Since the roots of these third molars are not fully developed, extraction is easier while lowering potential risks of complications including nerve damage. Additionally, younger patients tend to heal more quickly and experience fewer post-operative issues.
Faster Recovery and Healing
Younger patients typically experience faster recovery times. The bone around the wisdom teeth is softer and more malleable in teenagers and young adults, which allows for easier extraction and less post-operative discomfort. Healing in younger individuals is generally quicker, and helps avoid complications like “dry socket”, where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged and is lower.
On the other hand, if wisdom teeth are removed later in life, the extraction process can be more complex. The roots are fully developed and embedded in harder bone, making surgery more difficult and recovery longer. Older patients may also have existing dental issues or chronic health conditions that can complicate surgery and healing.
Preventative Problems Later
Prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth is a common practice to prevent potential problems later. Even if wisdom teeth are not currently causing issues, our oral surgeons recommend their removal to avoid future complications. This approach is particularly common in patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent them from disrupting the alignment achieved through braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Individual Factors
While general guidelines are helpful, the decision of when to remove wisdom teeth should be tailored to one’s unique situation. Factors such as overall health, the position and development of the teeth, and the presence of symptoms like pain or infection all play a crucial role in determining the timing of wisdom tooth removal.
Schedule Consultation
The ideal timing for wisdom teeth removal is a decision that should be made in consultation with an oral surgeon. We invite you to call 310-641-6124 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and consultation for your teen with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at a location nearest you.