There is really no set age for wisdom teeth removal, but it’s helpful to learn more about why the procedure is often necessary. Wisdom teeth are rear molars that typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. It is common for one or more to become impacted and not fully break through the gums. There are several different reasons why the best dentists in Montreal may recommend wisdom teeth removal.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth, so often there is not enough room for them to erupt properly. They can become impacted, which means that they don’t erupt or only partially emerge. When this happens the pressure can cause damage and overcrowding of other teeth. Other complications of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, infection, cysts, tumors and abscesses. Because they have the potential to cause serious issues many patients opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted proactively to avoid these problems. Others may have their wisdom teeth removed before starting orthodontic treatment to create more room for the teeth to shift into proper alignment.
The general recommendation by the best dentists in Montreal is for patients to have their wisdom teeth removed by age 25. As you get older, the wisdom tooth roots grow longer and become deeply integrated in the jaw, which makes it more difficult to extract the teeth. It may also take older patients longer to heal and recover from wisdom teeth extraction.
Talk to Your Westmount Dentist About Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Even if you are not experiencing symptoms it’s important to talk to your dentist about having your wisdom teeth extracted. A few questions to consider include:
- Do your wisdom teeth cause pain?
- Do you find it difficult to properly clean the area?
- Have you noticed damage to other teeth or shifting that has caused your teeth to become crowded or crooked?
- Are your wisdom teeth keeping other teeth from developing properly?
- Do you have future treatment planned, such as orthodontics that could be affected by your wisdom teeth?
Ask your Westmount dentist or oral surgeon about whether the benefits of wisdom teeth extraction outweigh the risks in your specific case. The best Montreal dentists will give you honest opinions and recommendations. Their goal is to help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid further dental problems down the road.
