When to take out wisdom teeth?

Every mouth differs: Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Some come into your mouth is a good position that allows you to keep it clean and use it. Others come in at bad angles, or in positions that don't allow it to be kept clean. If they do need to be removed, it is better to have them out while you are still young. The older we get the harder our bone gets, so the extractions can be harder to do.

If needed: If you are told your wisdom teeth should come out, the younger you are, the better. The roots are forming and still fused in many cases, making them easier to come right out, even surgically. They separate and flare as they form. Have them done on a friday (or before a couple days off school or work) and you'll be fine by monday. An oral surgeon can assess timing with a panorex x-ray.

While developing: The old saying if your wisdom teeth are not bothering you, don't let anyone bother them may not be the best advice. If the wisdom teeth are indicated for removal, the optimal time is to have them removed before the roots are fully developed. Physical development of the tooth is sometimes more important than the chronological age of a patient.

3rd molars Best time: Wisdom teeth, 3rd molars start to come in in the late teens to early 20's. Most do not erupt correctly usually due to a lack of space for them. They cause problems later in life. When removed in young patients, they heal faster. Best time to remove is when they have barely broken the gum tissue over them. If they erupt enough for the tooth to be chewed into, the ligament toughens it is harder to do.

If needed, teens: Based on your age, I assume you are a parent. If indicated to come out, mid-teen years are best. I would recommend a consultation with a board certified oral surgeon. He can take xrays, discuss pros and cons.

Wisdom teeth removal: Sometimes wisdom teeth are valuable asset when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal. The removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common procedures at ages 15-24. See your dentist for evaluation and x-rays.

Extractions: The dentist will numb you up with local anesthesia. Some patients also opt for sweet air or IV sedation. The dentist uses forceps and\or elevators to remove the teeth, either in one piece or in sections depending upon the position of the tooth and the difficulty of the extraction. This is what dentists\oral surgeons spend years training for and for them it's routine.

Skill and Training: Removal of wisdom teeth will depend upon whether or not the teeth are erupted, impacted (classification of the impacted teeth), as well as the person performing the surgery. Dentists and surgeons may use different techniques for removal of teeth, as well as different types of anesthesia and/or sedation. Ask your dentist or surgeon what will be involved with your particular surgery.

Depends: Depends on the tooth position. If fully erupted in the mouth - simple extraction. If impacted, may need a gum flap, removal of bone, and sectioning of the tooth.