Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth, and they typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. For some, these teeth come in without any issues. However, for many people, wisdom teeth can lead to discomfort, pain, and other dental complications. As a result, many individuals are faced with the decision of whether to remove their wisdom teeth and, if so, when the best time to do so is.
The decision to remove wisdom teeth often comes down to a few factors, one of which is timing. While some people choose to wait until problems arise, others opt for early removal before any issues develop. But is it better to get wisdom teeth out early? This article will explore the pros and cons of early wisdom teeth removal, helping you make an informed decision about your oral health.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. These teeth were once essential for our ancestors, who had larger jaws and needed extra molars to chew tough, raw food. However, over time, our jaws have become smaller, and many people no longer have enough space to accommodate these extra teeth.
When there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to come in properly, they can become impacted, meaning they are unable to emerge through the gums as they should. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including:
Pain and swelling: When the teeth are impacted, they can become painful and swollen.
Infection: An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to gum infections if bacteria become trapped around the tooth.
Cavities and decay: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can develop cavities or decay, which can affect neighboring teeth.
Crowding: In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause crowding of nearby teeth, leading to misalignment.
While some people can keep their wisdom teeth without issue, others find that these teeth lead to discomfort or complications that require removal. But does it make sense to remove them early, before any issues arise?
The Case for Early Removal
Many dental professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth at an early age, typically between 18 and 25 years old. This is because, at this stage, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and the bone surrounding them is still softer and less dense. Removing wisdom teeth early offers several potential benefits:
1. Easier and Less Complicated Surgery
When wisdom teeth are removed at a younger age, the surgery is generally easier and less complicated. This is because the roots are still underdeveloped, and the bone surrounding the teeth is not as dense. As a result, the extraction process tends to be quicker, with less trauma to the surrounding tissues.
In contrast, older patients may have fully developed roots, which can make the procedure more challenging. Additionally, the bone may be denser, requiring more effort to remove the teeth. This can increase the risk of complications and lead to a longer recovery time.
2. Reduced Risk of Complications
Early removal of wisdom teeth may reduce the risk of complications that can occur as the teeth try to emerge. When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can lead to infections, cysts, or damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, these complications may not manifest until later in life, but by then, the surgery might be more difficult and the risks greater.
By removing the teeth early, patients can avoid the potential for long-term damage to the surrounding structures. Preventing issues like infection, gum disease, or damage to other teeth is a significant advantage of early removal.
3. Better Recovery
Younger patients typically heal faster than older adults. This is especially important when it comes to wisdom tooth extraction, which requires proper aftercare and a few days of rest. Early removal means that the patient is likely to experience a quicker recovery and less post-surgical discomfort.
Additionally, younger patients are less likely to experience complications like dry sockets, which occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Dry sockets can cause severe pain and delay the healing process. The younger you are, the lower the risk of such complications.
4. Prevention of Future Problems
Wisdom teeth often don’t show signs of problems until they begin to emerge, which can happen around the age of 17-25. If the teeth start to come in crooked or become impacted, this can cause pain, infection, or the development of cysts. Early removal ensures that these potential issues are avoided, as the teeth will be extracted before they have a chance to cause problems.
By removing the wisdom teeth before they emerge, you are also preventing potential crowding or misalignment of other teeth. This is particularly important for those who have had orthodontic treatment in the past and want to maintain the alignment of their teeth.
The Case Against Early Removal
While early removal of wisdom teeth offers many advantages, it’s not always the right choice for everyone. There are several reasons why some people choose to wait or opt out of the procedure entirely.
1. Not Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
One of the most important considerations when deciding whether to remove wisdom teeth early is whether they are causing any problems.
Some people’s wisdom teeth come in without issue, and they may have enough space in their mouths to accommodate the new teeth. If the wisdom teeth are not impacted, misaligned, or causing any discomfort, there may be no need for removal at all.
Many dental professionals recommend waiting to see if any problems develop. If the wisdom teeth grow in properly and do not cause any issues, there may be no need for surgery.
2. Potential for Over-Treatment
Not every patient needs to have their wisdom teeth removed preemptively. In fact, there is some debate in the dental community about whether early removal is always necessary. Some studies suggest that removing wisdom teeth too early can be considered over-treatment, as many wisdom teeth will not cause problems if left alone.
Over-treatment can lead to unnecessary surgery, which carries risks such as infections, nerve damage, or a prolonged recovery period. Therefore, some dentists advocate for monitoring the wisdom teeth over time and only removing them if issues arise.
3. The Risks of Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth extraction comes with risks. While the procedure is generally safe, it can lead to complications, especially for older patients. The risks include:
Infection: Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection, especially if proper aftercare is not followed.
Nerve damage: The nerves around the wisdom teeth can be damaged during extraction, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue.
Bleeding: Prolonged bleeding is another potential risk following the surgery.
Dry socket: A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site, leading to severe pain and delayed healing.
Although these risks are generally rare and manageable, they are still important considerations when deciding whether to remove wisdom teeth early.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The decision of whether to get your wisdom teeth removed early should be made in consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will take factors such as the position of your wisdom teeth, your age, and any current symptoms into account.
In general, the ideal time for removal is between the ages of 18 and 25, when the teeth are not fully developed, and the risk of complications is lower.
If you experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, infection, or difficulty opening your mouth, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing problems and should be removed. Alternatively, if your wisdom teeth are growing in properly and are not causing any issues, you may be able to keep them for life.
Conclusion
Whether or not it’s better to get wisdom teeth out early depends on various factors, including your age, the position of the teeth, and any potential complications. For many people, early removal offers the benefits of a simpler procedure, a quicker recovery, and the prevention of future issues. However, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, and some individuals may choose to wait until problems arise.
