Timing is Key: Knowing When to Remove Wisdom Teeth
What's the Deal with Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, those pesky third molars, have a unique spot in our dental lineup. Here's a simple breakdown of what they are and why they often cause so much fuss.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are like those guests who show up late to the party, usually arriving between the ages of 17 to 25. By then, most of us have jaws that are already pretty snug (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Because there isn't much room left, these latecomers often don't fit properly, leading to a bunch of issues like pain, impaction, and infections.
Age RangePercentage of People with Erupted Wisdom Teeth17 - 2590%25 - 3575%35+60%
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common ordeal, happening when there just isn't enough space for them to pop through or align correctly. This can turn into a nightmare of pain, infection, decay, gum problems, and even damage to neighboring teeth (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). If you're wondering whether it's time to say goodbye to your wisdom teeth, check out our article on signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth?
Back in the day, when cavemen were munching on fibrous plants and raw meat, wisdom teeth were real MVPs. They were necessary for breaking down tough foods. Fast forward to today, our diets are way easier on the chompers, making these third molars pretty much obsolete.
With those diet changes and smaller jaw sizes, today's wisdom teeth are like trying to fit a size ten foot into a size eight shoe. They often get misplaced, leading to issues that might mean they need to be pulled out. Keeping those troublesome teeth can hamper your oral health, so removing them is sometimes the best move. To dive deeper into this topic, take a peek at do wisdom teeth always need to be removed.
Knowing a bit about wisdom teeth can help you figure out when should wisdom teeth be removed. For advice on the best timing for the procedure, our next section on the best age for wisdom teeth removal has you covered.
Best Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Choosing the right moment to get those pesky wisdom teeth out can mean fewer headaches later on. We'll look at the best age for the procedure and why getting ahead of the curve matters.
Prime Time for Removal
Wisdom teeth usually start making their grand entrance between ages 17 and 25. It's best to yank them out before the roots settle in too deeply, which is when they've developed about 25% to 50%. This sweet spot offers a smoother operation and faster healing (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Teenagers are often the perfect candidates, but really, anyone from 10 to 90 could find themselves needing the procedure.
Age RangeRoot DevelopmentBest Time for Removal17-2525% - 50%Best candidates10-16Pre-eruptionMight need it for braces26-90Post-eruptionOften due to complications
For a deeper dive, check out our article on optimal timing for wisdom teeth removal.
Why Early Birds Win
Getting those wisdom teeth out early can stave off a bunch of oral headaches. We're talking pain, infections, cavities, gum issues, and damaging nearby teeth because there’s just no room (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Yank ‘em before the issues pop up, and you’re looking at easier surgery and quicker recovery times.
Wait too long, though, and things can get messy. Complex surgeries, higher odds of complications, and painfully long healing times are all on the table. If your wisdom teeth start acting up, get to your dentist ASAP. Need a sign? Peek at our article on symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth.
Knowing when and why to take out those wisdom teeth helps keep your mouth healthy and your worries at bay. For more signs and reasons to bid farewell to your wisdom teeth, check out our guides on key signs for wisdom teeth removal and necessity of wisdom teeth removal.
By sorting your wisdom teeth situation early, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble—and who doesn’t want that?
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Wisdom Teeth Removal
Putting off getting your wisdom teeth out can make things messier and riskier down the line. Here’s why acting sooner rather than later is a smart move.
Risks of Waiting
Dragging your feet on wisdom teeth removal? Here's what could go wrong:
Infections: Those little buggers can trap food and bacteria, leading to nasty infections. Over time, expect inflammation and even more headaches.
Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth might develop cysts that can wreck havoc on your jawbone and nearby teeth.
Gum Disease: As those teeth push through the gums, they can create pockets that let bacteria run wild, upping your gum disease risk.
Tooth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are tough to clean, inviting cavities for both them and their neighboring molars.
In a nutshell, popping those teeth out early, preferably in your teens or early twenties, can save you a world of dental drama (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Complications as You Grow Older
The older you get, the trickier and more painful wisdom teeth removal can be. Here’s why:
Bone Density: As the jawbone gets denser with age, yanking those teeth out becomes more challenging and painful. Plus, you'll spend more time healing.
Nerve Proximity: The roots of your wisdom teeth can start hugging the mandibular nerve. When you’re older, pulling them out risks nerve damage, which might leave you with a numb lip, chin, or tongue—sometimes for good (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Slower Healing: Younger folks bounce back quicker, with fewer issues like dry sockets (ouch) and swelling.
Higher Complication Rates: Older adults have a harder time with pain, swelling and complications. Getting those teeth out sooner can help dodge these problems and speed up recovery (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
ComplicationYounger PatientsOlder PatientsHealing TimeFasterSlowerNerve RiskLowerHigherComplication RateLowerHigherBone DensityLowerHigher
Your dentist will tell you—getting those teeth out in your late teens or early twenties is the way to go. Check out our guide on signs you need wisdom teeth removed if you're unsure.
Popping those stubborn teeth out early can make recovery smoother and less painful, which is a win for both students and young professionals. For more advice on when to take the plunge, see our article on when is the best time to remove wisdom teeth.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out Without the Hassle
Numbing and Chilling Out
Nobody wants unnecessary pain or stress when getting their wisdom teeth out. So, let's talk about how we numb your pain and keep you comfy. Depending on how tricky your teeth are, you have three main choices:
Local Numbification: Just the area around your wisdom teeth gets numb. You're wide awake but won’t feel a thing.
IV Sedation: This one makes you feel super relaxed, maybe a bit dreamy, and you’ll hardly remember the procedure.
Knockout Gas (General Anesthesia): You’re out cold, absolutely no memory of what happened. This is for the super anxious or complex cases.
TypeWhat You FeelWhat You RememberLocal NumbingAwake, no painYou'll remember it allIV NapDreamy, relaxedBarely anythingKnockout GasAsleepNada
Want to prep like a pro? Check out our guide on getting ready for wisdom teeth surgery.
The Whole Shebang
Alright, let’s walk through what’s gonna happen when you get those wisdom chompers pulled. Here’s the lowdown:
Chat It Up: First up, you’ll meet with your oral surgeon. They’ll take some cool x-rays and make a game plan for plucking those teeth.
Time to Get Numb: You'll get your chosen type of anesthesia or sedation. No worries, you'll be comfy the whole time.
Snip and Yank: The surgeon makes a tiny cut in your gums to get to the tooth and bone. If your teeth are tough cookies, they may get broken into smaller bits for easy removal.
Clean and Close: Post-tooth yanking, they’ll clean up the area and might put in some stitches to help you heal faster.
Chill Zone: You’ll head to a recovery room to rest up until the numbness fades. The team will keep an eye on you and give you some tips on taking care of your mouth.
Curious about the nitty-gritty details? Peek at our full guide on what to expect before the big day.
Knowing what goes down and how we keep the pain away helps you stay chill and ready for your wisdom teeth extraction. Worried about the pain? Dig into this pain-free wisdom teeth removal guide and ease those fears.
Meet the Pros
Dr. Heath Hendrickson
Meet Dr. Heath Hendrickson, the go-to guy for wisdom teeth removal. With over 25 years in the game, he's popped out more than 250,000 teeth. That's a lot of teeth! This impressive track record means he's seen it all and handled even the toughest cases with ease.
Dr. H is also a whiz with IV sedation. He's safely sedated over 60,000 patients, ensuring they're comfy and calm during the procedure. His knack for mixing technical skill with a gentle approach makes the whole experience smoother and way less scary for patients.
Curious why getting wisdom teeth out is important? Check out our other articles for the lowdown.
Michael Call, CRNA
Then there's Michael Call, CRNA, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who knows his stuff. Trained at the renowned Mayo Clinic, Michael brings an extra layer of safety to wisdom teeth removal.
He's handled over 100,000 sedations, working alongside Dr. Hendrickson to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Michael's expertise in anesthesia helps take the edge off the whole thing, making it a less nerve-wracking and more comfortable experience. This team effort ensures the sedation process is safe and custom-fit to each patient’s needs.
When you put your trust in Dr. H and Michael, you're in good hands for your wisdom teeth removal. Want more info on what to expect? Take a look at our articles like does wisdom teeth removal hurt and how long does wisdom teeth removal take.
Patient Care and Recovery: Wisdom Teeth Removal
Taking care of your pearly whites post-wisdom teeth removal needs some serious TLC. At Wisdom Teeth Only, we've got Jennifer Frame and Emery Killian on deck to make sure your experience is as comfy as it can be. Let's break it down for ya.
Meet Jennifer Frame
Jennifer Frame, our rockstar lead assistant since 2001, knows her stuff. With over two decades in the oral surgery game, she's the MVP you want on your side when tackling wisdom teeth removal. She's not just resting on that experience; Jennifer has piled up continuing education credits in dental anesthesia. Pretty cool, huh?
Here's what Jennifer does:
Directly assists during your surgery
Keeps an eye on your vitals
Keeps the environment as clean as a whistle
Talks you down if nerves start getting the best of you
Her calm demeanor and deep knowledge make her a godsend when you're under the knife.
Say Hi to Emery Killian
Emery Killian, a CNA you’ll want in your corner, is all about recovery. While Jennifer's got you covered in the chair, Emery’s the guy who holds your hand through the aftermath. He’s like your personal cheerleader, minus the pom-poms.
Here's his jam:
Handles your post-op care
Makes sure you’re comfortable, helping with pain
Watches out for any “uh-oh” moments
Educates you and your fam on how to take care of those puffy cheeks at home
For a heads-up before your big day, make sure you check out our prep guide on getting ready for wisdom teeth removal.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Jennifer and Emery tag-team like pros, offering stellar care from the second you walk in until you're back to enjoying solid foods. They’ve got your back pretty much covered.
Curious about what could happen if those wisdom teeth stay put? Visit our page on signs of impacted wisdom teeth or want to know how bad the pain really is?
We're here to make sure you have all the info needed. So, relax. You're in great hands.
