Each year, around five million people have their wisdom teeth removed. This third set of molars usually grows in during a person’s late teens or early 20s. And there’s long been an assumption that all people should get these late-blooming teeth removed lest they pose problems for the individual down the road.
Actually, though, some people don’t need their wisdom teeth removed. It all comes down to what’s right for you, your mouth shape and size, and your smile goals. Plus, other factors like the teeth’s ability to come in properly aligned, come into play.
All told, it can be a little complex to determine when someone should get their wisdom teeth extracted. At A&N Dental in Tempe, Arizona, our team specializes in this area. We can analyze your mouth and help you make the right decision. And, should you need your extra molars removed, we offer comfortable, convenient wisdom teeth extractions, too.
So, when should wisdom teeth come out? Let’s take a look.
When wisdom teeth can stay
In some cases, you may be perfectly fine to let your wisdom teeth grow in normally.
This is the case when your wisdom teeth grow in straight, erupt normally through your gums, and are positioned so they don’t impact your other teeth, your bite, or your ability to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Ultimately, if this third set of molars can grow in just like the previous two sets did, you can skip the extraction process.
When wisdom teeth should be extracted
Allowing the wisdom teeth to grow in can pose a problem for your mouth. For starters, many wisdom teeth become impacted. This means they don’t have enough room to grow in normally, which leads to discomfort and dental problems for you.
Additionally, even when wisdom teeth can erupt through the gums normally, many people’s jaws don’t have enough space to fit the third set of molars without crowding other teeth. This can shift your other teeth out of alignment. That’s especially troubling if you’ve already gone through orthodontic treatment to get your straight smile.
Fortunately, if you’re facing any of these issues, wisdom tooth extraction is no big deal. At A&N Dental, we perform extractions from the comfort of our office, where you have access to our state-of-the-art facilities.
And if you’re nervous, we offer conscious sedation. This way, you can completely relax during your wisdom tooth extraction.
If you notice any discomfort at the back of your jaw and you’re between the ages of 17 and 21, it could be a sign your wisdom teeth need some attention. Our A&N Dental team is available to appraise your teeth and jaw and help you make the right decision about these teeth. Call our office in Tempe, Arizona, or book your appointment online today.