16 Mar At What Age Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically grow into the mouth during the late teens or early 20’s. These teeth are generally the topic of much debate due to their tendency to be unpredictable in nature. In light of this fact, our dentists at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX may recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed in order to prevent complications.
For some patients, the wisdom teeth may fail to erupt properly. They are prone to a number of abnormalities such as:
- Impaction (When the wisdom teeth fail to erupt, or grow into position, the risk of developing a cyst around the tooth increases.)
- Poor angulation (Wisdom teeth are notorious for their poor positioning. These teeth may be rotated towards the neighboring teeth or angled towards the underlying nerve pathways.)
- Decay (Wisdom teeth are often extremely difficult to clean properly. Accessing these teeth with a tooth brush or floss can be challenging. The inability to clean these teeth may lead to tooth decay on both the wisdom teeth as well as the neighboring teeth.)
- Gum disease (As a result of the location of the wisdom teeth, it is common to develop a localized form of gum disease. Inflammation and tenderness are common symptoms when the teeth cannot be cleaned, or when food particles and plaque are allowed to collect around these teeth. Left unaddressed, this type of disease can spread to the neighboring, healthy teeth.
When our cosmetic dentists in Grand Prairie, Dr. Robert D. Maxey and Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr., are able to detect these undesirable conditions as a result of the wisdom teeth, they may be recommended for removal. This recommendation is based mainly on the possible risk to your health rather than your age. In fact, there is no recommended age for the removal of wisdom teeth. Instead, routine dental visits are suggested for proper monitoring of any developing condition, including the progression of the wisdom teeth.
If your dentist recommends that the wisdom teeth be removed, the risks and benefits will be carefully explained. Schedule a professional consultation today with any of our dentists at The Dental Place, serving Arlington TX, to have your wisdom teeth evaluated. Call 972-264-5795 today!