Wisdom teeth are the third set of adult molars that typically grow in during your late teenage years to early twenties. While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, many people do. Despite sounding wise, wisdom teeth aren't always super smart so it is important to know if your wisdom teeth should stay or go.
One reason why it's important to get your wisdom teeth evaluated for removal when you are a teenager is because it's easier to remove them before they are fully developed. When your wisdom teeth are still in the earlier stages of development, the roots are not fully formed and the bone around them is not as dense. This means that the extraction process is usually easier and less painful, and your recovery time is faster.
Another reason why it's important to get your wisdom teeth evaluated for removal when you are a teenager is because they can cause problems if they don't have enough room to grow in properly. When there isn't enough space for the wisdom teeth to come in, they can become impacted, which means they are stuck in the jawbone and can't come through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and even infection. If the wisdom tooth is pushing tightly against your other erupted molars, you can get a gum pocket defect that results in gum infection and sometimes you have to have your wisdom tooth removed and the molar next to it - yikes!
By getting your wisdom teeth evaluated for removal when you are a teenager, your pediatric dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon can determine whether or not they need to be removed. If they do, they can plan the procedure at a time that is most convenient for you (like school breaks) and minimize any potential complications. Overall, getting your wisdom teeth evaluated and removed if necessary can help prevent future dental problems and ensure the health of your teeth and gums.