When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Evaluated?

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, often need to be surgically removed. In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, become fully functional, and in a position for the patient to be able to keep them clean. When there is not enough space for complete eruption and function, the tooth can become impacted in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, bone loss and possibly cysts or tumors.

The factors that determine optimal timing for evaluation of wisdom teeth are jaw growth, bone density, level of eruption, root development, and problems associated with adjacent teeth. Most growth of the jaws is completed in females by age 15, and in males by age 18. As for bone density, the mineralization of the jaws is a gradual process, but most of the change from soft, compressible bone to dense hard bone begins at age 18 and reaches maximum density by age 23. For surgical purposes, the bone is still flexible at age 17 which makes for a much easier surgical procedure and healing.

The age in which the roots of wisdom teeth fully form varies, however, it typically occurs between the ages of 14 and 18. By age 25, the wisdom teeth are fully formed and the roots are much longer and have a much higher chance of lying in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve and the maxillary sinus. The ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth are when the roots are 1/3 – 2/3 formed. Removing the teeth before the roots have formed will reduce the risk of complications from the procedure and help patients heal faster.

 Patients over 30 are more likely to experience surgical complications when wisdom teeth are removed. The teeth may be impacted and impinge on neighboring teeth, pushing them out of alignment or damaging them, leading to infection. Cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth and can cause significant damage to surrounding structures. As individuals age, the roots of wisdom teeth grow longer and may extend into the sinus or become entangled with nerve bundles in the jawbone. If this happens, sinus complications and nerve damage is likely, which can result in numbness and tingling.

 When jaw growth, bone density, tooth eruption, root development, and potential damage to adjacent teeth are considered, the best time to have wisdom teeth evaluated is between 15 – 17 years of age. Wisdom teeth removal during teenage and young adolescent age has less risk for complications and a shorter recovery time. Call our office at 618-529-2571 to schedule your wisdom tooth consultation with our team of surgical experts.

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