Leaving a gap after a tooth extraction can have more significant impacts than many people think. Here’s how not addressing that gap in your smile after tooth extraction can affect oral health, functionality, and aesthetics.

Shifting of Adjacent Teeth

One of the primary consequences of not addressing a gap in your smile is the shifting of adjacent teeth [1]. Our teeth are designed to fit together and support one another. When a tooth is removed, the neighboring teeth start to drift into the empty space. This movement can lead to misalignment and even tooth crowding or unusual spacing, which can complicate chewing, aesthetics, and overall oral health.

Bone Loss

The jawbone relies on the presence of teeth to maintain its form and density. When a tooth is extracted and not replaced, the underlying bone tends to lose mass—a condition known as bone resorption. 50% of alveolar bone width is lost within the first year after a tooth extraction [2]. This bone loss can lead to a sunken appearance in the face and compromise future dental restoration options.

Increased Risk of Dental Complications

Leaving a gap can raise the risk of various dental problems. The absence of a tooth might lead to gum issues, as the empty space can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infection. If teeth shift and become misaligned or crowded, they are more difficult to clean, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Difficulty in Chewing and Speaking

Beyond aesthetic concerns, not addressing a gap can disrupt your day-to-day functions. Chewing can become uneven and uncomfortable, leading to potential digestive issues if food is not properly processed [3]. Speech can also be affected—without the proper alignment of teeth, certain sounds become challenging to articulate, which may lead to self-consciousness and impact both your personal and professional life.

Aesthetic Concerns

Your smile can significantly impact confidence and self-esteem. An unfilled gap can cause people to feel embarrassed about their appearance, affecting social interactions and personal relationships. Many people are hesitant to smile or laugh openly, which can lead to increased feelings of isolation or anxiety.

Treatment Options After Tooth Extraction

Fortunately, there are several options available for addressing a gap in your smile after a tooth extraction. These include:

• Dental implants. These are titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing a permanent solution that mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.

• Bridges. A dental bridge involves placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to support a prosthetic tooth, effectively filling the gap.
• Partial dentures. These removable options are ideal for those looking for a less invasive solution and are customizable for comfort and aesthetics.

Taking action to fill the gap will not only restore your smile but will also prevent further complications.

Don’t Wait to Replace Your Missing Tooth

If you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction or have been living with a missing tooth, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your dentist. Whether you’re worried about shifting teeth, chewing, or your oral health and appearance, it’s time to take the first step towards a healthier smile—contact your dentist today!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787091/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926561/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3636836/ 

The post What Are the Longer-Term Impacts of Not Addressing a Gap in Your Smile After a Tooth Extraction? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While some people are able to keep their wisdom teeth with no issues, others may experience unpleasant symptoms with the arrival of their third molars. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider wisdom teeth extraction, here are some of the signs to look out for.

Pain or Discomfort

One of the most common signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed is persistent pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth [1]. 

You might experience a dull ache or sharp sensation, especially when chewing or brushing your teeth. If the pain doesn’t improve, it’s time to have your teeth evaluated by an experienced dentist to determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Swelling and Infection

If you notice swelling around your jaw or gums, it could indicate an infection related to your wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth, which are unable to fully emerge through the gums, can lead to gum infections that cause pain, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Oral infections have the potential to be life-threatening, so if you suspect an infection, don’t wait to seek emergency dental care.

Impacted Teeth

Impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly, leaving them trapped beneath the gum line [2]. This can result in a variety of issues, including pain, crowding of other teeth, and even the formation of cysts.

Since impacted wisdom teeth can’t always be seen with the naked eye, dentists typically identify impacted wisdom teeth through X-rays. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction is almost always necessary.

Crowding of Other Teeth

If your wisdom teeth are coming in and causing your other teeth to shift or crowd, it can lead to misalignment and bite issues. This is particularly true if you have had orthodontic work in the past.

If you notice changes in your bite or overlapping teeth when your wisdom teeth come in, it’s time to consult your dentist about potential removal.

Cysts or Tumors

In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can damage your jawbone and surrounding teeth.

While rare, cysts or tumors can cause discomfort and damage. Regular dental check-ups can help in early detection, and if cysts are present, your dentist will likely recommend wisdom teeth removal.

Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

Chronic bad breath can stem from the buildup of food particles and bacteria around partially erupted wisdom teeth trapped in the gum tissue [3]. If improved oral hygiene doesn’t alleviate this issue, or this symptom is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it could indicate an infection.

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly and typically need to be removed. If you have persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it’s time to see your dentist.

Ask Your Dentist About Wisdom Tooth Removal

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it’s crucial to recognize the signs that might indicate a problem. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the condition of your wisdom teeth before they cause significant discomfort or complications.

If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, contact your dentist to discuss potential treatment options, including extraction. By being proactive, you can protect your oral health and prevent future problems with your smile.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/impacted-wisdom-teeth  
3. https://www.ada.org/sitecore/content/ADA-Organization/ADA/MouthHealthy/home/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth?sc_lang=en 

The post What Are the Signs That I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that covers and protects the surgical site shortly after the procedure becomes dislodged. When dry socket happens, the sensitive and exposed tissue underneath the blood clot comes into contact with air, bacteria in your mouth, and food. Pain or infection can result.

It’s imperative to prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction to ensure a smooth healing process and prevent pain and infection. So how can you stop dry socket from happening? The following tips will help you prevent this condition and heal quickly after your procedure.

Avoid Straws

Using a straw to drink creates suction in your mouth that can dislodge the clot and disrupt the healing process after a tooth extraction [1]. If you are used to using straws while you drink, put them away while you are healing. Generally, you should avoid using straws for the first week or two after your tooth extraction to ensure proper healing.

Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Like using a straw, smoking creates suction in the mouth that can lead to dry socket. It’s best to avoid smoking after a dental procedure, as it can delay the healing process and potentially lead to complications after your extraction [2].

If you smoke, your dentist will typically ask you to refrain from smoking for the first three to five days after the extraction to reduce the risk of dry socket.

Although drinking alcohol doesn’t pose a risk for dry socket in the same way as smoking, it does still pose a risk. People who drink alcohol after a tooth extraction are more likely to develop dry socket than those who don’t, so avoid that glass of wine for a few days after your procedure.

Eat Soft Foods

Chewing may be uncomfortable for the first few days after your extraction, so your dentist will advise you to eat soft foods. These include soups, smoothies, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, or soft breads. Foods to avoid include popcorn, nuts, tough meats, chewing gum, and chips. Eating tough foods can cause food particles to dislodge the clot, so take it easy for the first few days to protect the surgical site and help your mouth heal [3].

Rinse Your Mouth Gently

You will still need to clean your smile after having a tooth extracted, but it’s imperative to clean it gently. For example, avoid cleaning the surgical site directly and follow your dentist’s instructions for brushing and flossing.

Most oral healthcare providers will ask that you not clean your teeth until the day after the extraction. It’s imperative to rinse your mouth out gently after cleanings, and avoid spitting, as doing so can increase your risk of dry socket.

Take It Easy

It’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction. Exercising, heavy lifting, and other physical activity can increase the chances of your blood clot dislodging, so take it easy for the first day or so. When you do return to physical exercise, continue to ease back into your routine until your mouth is healed.

Have Questions About Dry Socket?

Avoiding dry socket is crucial for the healing process after your tooth extraction, and it will help you heal faster with minimal discomfort. If you have questions about your risk for dry socket after an extraction, ask your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-prevent-dry-socket#prevention
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4060391/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5932271/

The post How to Prevent Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But do you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Should you? Here are a few important considerations when considering whether or not to get your third molars removed.

If Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted, They Will Need to Be Removed

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they will need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth may not cause symptoms immediately, but they have the potential to affect your oral health in the long term [2].

Impacted wisdom teeth may not fully erupt through the gum tissue, leading to problems with cleaning the teeth and even gum infections. In some people, wisdom teeth may not have enough room to come in through the gums, which can lead to pain, swelling, and even problems with the neighboring teeth.

Your dentist can tell if you have impacted wisdom teeth by taking x-rays. If the teeth are impacted, your dentist will suggest removing them to prevent problems or to resolve existing symptoms you’re experiencing.

Consider Removal If Wisdom Teeth Are Difficult to Clean

Wisdom teeth don’t always have to be impacted to cause problems in the oral cavity. If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted through the gum tissue but are difficult to clean due to their location in the oral cavity, you may opt to have them removed [3].

Using an electric toothbrush may be able to help you reach your wisdom teeth better than using a manual toothbrush, but if your dentist is consistently seeing plaque buildup around your third molars, removal may be an option to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease around these teeth.

When It’s Ok to Leave Wisdom Teeth Alone

Some wisdom teeth are certainly ok to leave alone. In fact, unless you have impacted wisdom teeth or are having problems with these teeth or with cleaning them, it’s generally ok to leave them in.

If your third molars have come completely through the gum tissue, are healthy, and don’t affect your neighboring teeth or your bite, you don’t have to have your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist can let you know if your wisdom teeth should be removed by doing an examination and taking x-rays during your appointment.

Not Everyone Will Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

Just because you have wisdom teeth doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have them removed. To find out if your wisdom teeth have the potential to become problematic, schedule an oral exam and x-rays with your local oral healthcare professional!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-
20373808
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-
removed/

The post Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Children may have impacted teeth when they lose their baby teeth and are waiting for a permanent tooth to erupt, but the adult tooth doesn’t make it in all the way [1]. Although experts aren’t sure why impacted teeth happen, we do know that they have certain health risks when left untreated.

Infection

Since impacted teeth may only partially come through the gum tissue, a tooth infection can result [2]. What happens is that the space left by the baby tooth can be a trap for food particles and bacteria, which can accumulate and result in a tooth infection when not properly cleaned.

However, wisdom teeth that get stuck in the gum tissue can also get infected because they are difficult to fully clean with both brushing and flossing. This can lead to either a tooth or gum infection that can progress if not professionally treated and the root cause (the impacted tooth) dealt with.

Crooked Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth also have the potential to lead to crooked or crowded teeth in the oral cavity [3]. This is because when the tooth doesn’t have enough room to erupt through the gum tissue, or is pushing sideways against the other teeth, it can lead to misalignment problems.

Crooked and crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss than straight teeth and can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, resulting in further complications from an impacted tooth.

Tooth Root or Bone Damage

If you have an impacted tooth, the tooth can also cause a cyst to form near the tooth. This cyst could lead to damage to your tooth roots, either to the impacted tooth or the nearby teeth [4].

The cyst could also harm the bone that helps anchor your teeth in placed, called alveolar bone. Why does this happen? Essentially, if the impacted tooth is not where it is supposed to be, it can touch the neighboring teeth and impact the health of those tooth roots and surrounding bone. If left to progress, these cysts can lead to an infection or even the need for jaw surgery.

How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?

While sometimes your dentist can see that a tooth has only partially erupted through the gum tissue with a physical exam, the best way to know for sure if your wisdom teeth are impacted, or if your child has a permanent tooth that’s impacted, is by getting x-rays.
X-rays will clearly show a tooth’s position and your dentist can determine the best method of treatment for moving forward to help prevent health risks from the impacted tooth.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an impacted tooth, such as red, swollen gum tissue, pain or swelling in your jaw, or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away, it’s time to follow up with your dentist to see if an impacted tooth could be the culprit!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/what-is-an-impacted-tooth/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth

The post What Are the Health Risks of an Impacted Tooth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, meaning the teeth don’t have enough room to comfortably emerge into the mouth, which can lead to problems such as discomfort and even an infection [1]. Fortunately, wisdom tooth removal is a safe, low-risk procedure that has a relatively short healing time. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom tooth removal recovery and healing!

In the First 24 Hours

The first day of healing is the most important as blood clots will be forming over the extraction sites. These blood clots are going to be imperative to the healing process, so it’s vital to not dislodge them. This means you shouldn’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after your procedure. You also should avoid drinking hot drinks. It’s best to stick to soft foods and avoid straws, alcohol, and smoking while you’re healing [2].

During the first day, you should plan on resting after getting home from your appointment. While most people can go back to their normal activities within a few days, and some even the next day, remember that your mouth won’t be healed for about two weeks, so avoiding hard and crunchy foods and anything that might damage the extraction site is still important!

After a Few Days

Some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are normal after your wisdom tooth removal. Your oral surgeon will have prescribed you pain medication and advise you on what to take and when for the discomfort.

For the first few days, avoid exercising or spitting, both of which can cause the blood clots to dislodge and lead to complications such as dry socket, which can be painful and will require professional treatment to fix [3]. Within a few days, you should be feeling pretty normal.

However, if you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. You should also contact your oral healthcare professional if you have a fever, trouble swallowing, or numbness in the days following your procedure.

Always Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

It’s essential to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions for healing after wisdom tooth removal. If you have any questions, be sure to follow up with your dentist, and if you can’t get in touch with your dentist and are experience severe symptoms, go to the emergency room.

For most people, wisdom tooth removal is a simple procedure, and some can even return to their normal activities the following day. If you’re having issues with your wisdom teeth and your dentist recommends removal, don’t put off this procedure which can prevent oral health problems later on!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321657#how-to-speed-up-healing
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-
20395268

The post Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery and Healing appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

After a tooth is removed, there’s essentially a hole left in your jawbone where the tooth was. During a normal healing process, a blood clot will develop over the hole, forming the foundation of what will eventually be bone and soft tissue. However, if the blood clot doesn’t properly form, is dislodged, or dissolves during the early stages of healing, dry socket occurs. The hole, bone, and nerve tissue are exposed to air, food debris, and bacteria. Typically, people are most at risk for dry socket within a few days after their tooth extraction [1].

Symptoms of a Dry Socket

How do you know if you have dry socket following a tooth extraction? Dry socket is typically very painful, and you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain or inflammation around the tooth extraction site. The pain could radiate from your jaw throughout your face on the side where your tooth was removed.
• You may be able to see bone when looking at the extraction site.
• A bad taste or smell in your mouth, which could be the result of food debris getting stuck in the extraction site and potentially causing an infection.
• You may have a low or high-grade fever.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should always reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible to treat the condition and avoid further complications!

Treatment for Dry Socket Following a Tooth Extraction

Treatment for dry socket will depend on how severe the condition is. At the very least, you’ll need to come back in to see your dentist to get the problem addressed. Your dentist will determine if the blood clot is missing and carefully clean the extraction site.

You may need to be on antibiotic therapy to prevent or cure any infection, and you may have to come back in to see your dentist periodically to ensure the site is healing properly. Your dentist can also advise you on pain management techniques to help with your discomfort [2].

Who’s at Risk for the Condition?

Fortunately, dry socket is a relatively rare occurrence. You may be more at risk to develop dry socket after a tooth extraction if you smoke or use tobacco, have poor oral hygiene, or have a tooth removed on your lower jaw as opposed to your upper jaw [3].

In the majority of cases, dry socket can be prevented by carefully following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s care instructions for healing. Often, these measures will include avoiding using a straw, avoiding smoking or tobacco use, and properly cleaning your oral cavity without touching the extraction site.

If you need to get a tooth removed, rest assured that dry socket is uncommon. However, if you have concerns about dry socket or are worried that you may have developed the condition, it’s essential to follow up with your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000780.htm
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-socket/symptoms-causes/syc-
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4060391/

The post What Is a Dry Socket, and Why Does It Occur? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Today, five million people in the United States have their wisdom teeth removed every year [1]. With so many people having their third molars removed, it’s natural to wonder why we have wisdom teeth and why they’re no longer necessary to us as a species.

Ancient Roots

Our ancestors’ diets were much different than what ours are today. They ate food that was often much tougher and so needed to have big, strong teeth and jaws to properly chew this food. Their diet consisted of a lot of raw food that would have needed to be chewed a lot.

Today, our diet is much softer and we don’t have as much need for these big third molars as they aren’t typically used for chewing anymore [2]. As a result, our bodies have evolved and so today, our jaws are much smaller than they were in our ancestors who needed all thirty-two teeth to survive.

Modern Wisdom Teeth

Although our bodies have changed over time, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed today. There are people who have enough room in their jaws for these teeth to come in properly, although they may have trouble cleaning them [3].

While many people do end up having their wisdom teeth removed (anywhere from 60-80
percent of people), not everyone will, so it’s vital to get your dentist’s input. Some people don’t have a choice; their wisdom teeth will come in crooked or won’t have enough room to erupt comfortably in the jaw and so they’ll need to be removed.

Some people today are even born without wisdom teeth or may only have two out of the
standard four wisdom teeth, showing that evolution is slowly phasing wisdom teeth out of our bodies.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted in people today. Impacted wisdom teeth will come in crooked, not have enough room to erupt, or may only partially erupt through the gumline.

When wisdom teeth become trapped in the jaw, they can cause crowding of neighboring teeth, pain, gum infection, swelling, and overgrowth of bacteria [4]. These are all signs that you’ll need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common surgery that millions of Americans have done every year. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, getting the procedure done sooner rather than later can help prevent pain and infection from occurring.

Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you have wisdom teeth, getting a professional evaluation from your dentist can help you determine whether or not they’ll need to be removed. While wisdom teeth are no longer vital to our survival, most people still have to deal with these teeth as they come in, so schedule a visit with your dentist to check on your third molars!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1963310/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/415290
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/

The post Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

The post What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What age is the most common to get wisdom teeth removed? From age ranges to the best age
you can consider wisdom tooth removal, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to get your wisdom
teeth removed if you need to.

Age 16-20 Is the Most Common Age Range

Age 16-20 is a fairly broad age range, but it’s the most common for wisdom tooth extractions.
Some patients are older or younger when they have their wisdom teeth removed, it all depends
on when your wisdom teeth are developing. Dentists typically like to wait until the teeth are
almost completely developed to extract them.

If you’re outside of this age range and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t worry.
Wisdom teeth extractions are very successful in patients of all ages. This procedure is considered very safe and effective when performed by your oral healthcare professional.

Optimal Time Based on Tooth Formation

For the majority of patients, the best time for wisdom tooth extractions is right around the age
of 18. Again, this will depend on how far along your teeth are in developing. Your dentist will
want to wait until two-thirds of the tooth is formed.

Waiting until the wisdom teeth are mostly formed makes it easier for your dentist to extract
them. Your dentist can tell from x-rays how developed your wisdom teeth are and when the
best time to remove them is, if they need to be removed. Generally, this happens around 18
years of age.

Getting the Procedure Sooner Rather than Later

In general, older patients experience more problems with their wisdom tooth removal. Their
body may take longer to heal itself, or they may be more at risk to experience dry socket or
nerve damage. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, the longer wait can increase the
likelihood of complications after the procedure.

However, don’t let this prevent you from getting your wisdom teeth removed. Experienced
dentists can remove wisdom teeth if necessary at any age. Generally, the sooner you have your
wisdom teeth extracted, the easier the procedure will be and the faster the healing time!

Has your dentist evaluated your smile for wisdom tooth removal? When you need your wisdom
teeth removed, don’t delay in setting up an appointment. Getting your wisdom teeth removed
is a common procedure that can alleviate the many problems wisdom teeth can cause.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist today if you haven’t already for a wisdom tooth
evaluation for you or your child!

The post At What Age Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Most Common? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.