Wisdom teeth are believed to be vestigial, parts of our bodies no longer needed due to evolution, as the coccyx is a reminder of our ancient ancestors’ tails. Because of the wear and tear on teeth caused by prehistoric diets, the third set of molars developed about five or six years after other molars as a backup set of teeth for old age, which was closer to 35 years back then. However, the best age for wisdom teeth removed is between 18 and 24 years of age
Those who acquire wisdom teeth today may not have enough room in their mouths for four more teeth due to our smaller, more evolved jaws. If your wisdom teeth don’t erupt like your other adult teeth, you may experience a wide range of oral complications, including cysts and bacterial growth. Occasionally, wisdom teeth come in crooked or sideways. Around 85% of those who develop wisdom teeth – a few are never affected – will require their removal.
Urban Smile dental in Wicker park Dentist, located in the Midtown West neighborhood of New York City, offers the following overview on wisdom teeth and when to remove them.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Impaction is one of the more common problems associated with wisdom teeth. When the bone starts to curve away from the plane of your other teeth, wisdom teeth develop at the back of the jaw. Misalignment of the wisdom teeth can be caused by this factor. The crown of these teeth does not emerge with the crown upright, rather, it tilts forward compared to other teeth, or it may even be completely horizontal with the crown facing forward.
Persistent, dull pain may be caused by impacted teeth that put pressure on nearby teeth. Wisdom teeth that have been impacted may remain in their development sacs or may partially erupt. As a result, these areas can become hotspots for bacteria and infect the body.
The extraction process
The process of dental extraction is depending on the condition of your teeth, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. In some cases, extraction is as simple as removing any other tooth, but in other cases, the tooth may be removed in sections so as not to disturb too much bone tissue.
Depending on the extent of your dental procedure, you may be given a local anesthetic for a simple extraction, sedation anesthesia for a more complicated extraction, or general anesthetic if you’re anxious.
Your gums are usually cut to expose your teeth and jawbone. The bone surrounding the root of a tooth is removed, and the tooth is either extracted whole or divided into smaller pieces When it reduces damage to the surrounding bone, it is advantageous. Debris from the tooth socket is cleaned, and often the wound is stitched shut, but that’s not always required.
The best age for wisdom teeth extraction
There is usually an incision made in the teeth extracted if the teeth are creating problems. However, the recommended best age for wisdom teeth removed is between 18 and 24. However, the best age for wisdom teeth removal is between 18 and 24 years of age. The earliest a wisdom tooth can be safely extracted is when the root has reached about two-thirds of its full size. That may be sooner or later than 18, depending on the patient. It’s usually apparent by this age how wisdom teeth will develop.
Approximately 24 years of age should be the upper cut-off point for wisdom teeth because at that point the roots have fully developed, making extraction more challenging. At this age, you are still young enough to recover quickly from tooth removal. If you are older and have wisdom teeth removed, your recovery time may be longer and your risk of complications may increase.
If you need a wisdom teeth consultation or any other dental care, call Urban Smile Dentistry at 773-819-7724
You may also schedule an appointment online.