It is believed that wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, did at some time serve a purpose for the human race. However, over time, that purpose has been eliminated. In fact, many adults do not even have enough room in their mouths for the molars. They often cause pain and other dental issues which necessitate their removal. This usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, but can happen later in life as well. Whatever your age, we at Oral and Facial Surgeons of Arizona stand ready to help you with any wisdom teeth concerns you have.
Normal Ages for Wisdom Teeth Development
Molar formation and movement follows a relatively predictable pattern. The first molars appear around the age of 6 with the second set following at around age 12. The third molars typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. The teeth actually begin growing several years earlier at around age 10. Some people never get wisdom teeth and others grow more or less than four. Whatever the number, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to come in straight and aligned. In many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted and/or cause infection, pain, crowding, and jaw problems. For these reasons, wisdom teeth often need to be removed.
Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Because wisdom teeth are not fully formed until late adolescence at the earliest, it is recommended that patients have these molars removed between the ages of 15 and 18. This is usually when the roots of the teeth are only partially formed. This makes for an easier surgery and a quicker recovery. Find more information about wisdom teeth removal surgery here.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Later in Life
There are patients who do not experience any initial discomfort when their wisdom teeth grow in. However, even if this is the case, the presence of wisdom teeth increases chances of future infection, cysts, and crowding. As people age, their jaw bones harden and their wisdom teeth roots mature. Delaying wisdom teeth removal can mean a more difficult surgery and a longer recovery time.
Get the Help You Need at the Right Place
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is very routine, but is surgery nonetheless. Make sure you trust and have confidence in the surgeon you choose. At Oral and Facial Surgeons of Arizona, we are committed to our patients’ health and comfort. If you have questions or want more information about wisdom teeth removal, please do not hesitate to contact us in Acadia at 602-957-0332 or in Tempe at 480-820-7400. We encourage all patients, regardless of age, to give us a call and make their oral health a priority.