Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
We start developing our teeth before we even reach our first birthday. Primary teeth begin to show at about six months of age, and teeth continue to erupt into pre-teenhood. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last to develop and typically surface between age 17 to 25. The timeline for tooth development is somewhat predictable, but dental complications are not. It is believed that wisdom teeth were the evolutionary response to a coarser, primitive diet, and now they are considered vestigial. Sometimes a person’s wisdom teeth are as functional as the other teeth, and they do not require any medical attention; however, many opt for wisdom teeth extraction for a variety of reasons.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone will get wisdom teeth, but it is common for those who do to face a host of debilitating oral issues. Problems can range from mild discomfort to dangerous health risks. Several dental concerns that may motivate someone to have their third molars removed are:
- Bite deformities
- Infection
- Tooth decay
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Pain
Benefits of Early Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While it is always wise to have your dentist evaluate your wisdom teeth and other molars for conditions that require immediate attention, sometimes preemptive removal is advisable. Some of the benefits to extracting wisdom teeth in your 20s are:
- Extraction before age 35 optimizes healing
- Eliminates future issues caused by wisdom teeth
- Reduced risk of surgical complication
To discuss any concerns regarding your wisdom teeth or to get answers to questions you may have about your oral health, schedule your appointment with Dr. Fiss. Call (312) 642-6631 or contact us online to book your appointment today.