Tooth Extraction FAQ: At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

No one looks forward to tooth extraction, but sometimes it is necessary for a person's oral health. This is often the case with the last adult teeth to erupt, the wisdom teeth. Many people need to have one or more of their wisdom teeth removed because they are not coming in right, there is not enough room in the mouth, or the wisdom teeth are causing other oral health problems. 

When do wisdom teeth start to erupt?

Everyone is different, which means the age at which wisdom teeth erupt will vary. Certain factors play into whether or not wisdom teeth will come in, as well as when it happens. Generally speaking, most individuals will get their wisdom teeth around age 17. However, some individuals do not notice any signs until later in life, even as late as age 23. Additionally, some individuals never experience the growth of their wisdom teeth, which is more common than most people realize. Genetics and health history both play a huge role in the eruption of these teeth.

When the wisdom teeth start to grow in, most individuals experience crowding, as well as discomfort. Because the wisdom teeth are not meant to remain in the oral cavity, they often push the adult teeth out of the way, which leads to crowding and a lot of shifting. Both actions can result in discomforts, such as soreness or dull pain beneath the soft tissues.

Another aspect of the wisdom teeth growing in is the risk of impaction. When the wisdom teeth become impacted, there is a barrier that is not allowing for growth or eruption. Oftentimes, the gums or the adult teeth are the barriers, which can result in a lot of pain and serious complications, such as gum disease, cavities, or the dislodgement of the adult teeth.

Because of the risk of crowding, pain, and impaction, general dentists recommend a tooth extraction to remove the wisdom teeth from the oral cavity as soon as any visible signs of them are noticed. While tooth extraction may sound unnecessary, it is often essential to ensure that the adult teeth and gums remain healthy and in good shape.

Extracting wisdom teeth

The position of the wisdom tooth will determine whether or not the patient needs a simple or surgical extraction. Simple wisdom teeth extractions are for teeth fully above the gum line. A dentist will use a special tool to grasp them and carefully extract them from the mouth. Surgical wisdom teeth extractions are for teeth that are partially erupted or impacted. In this case, a dentist will need to make a small incision in the gum line to extract the teeth fully.

Consult with a general dentist

Wisdom tooth extractions are fairly common as almost everyone experiences the eruption of wisdom teeth at one point in their lives. Working with a general dentist to better understand how the process works and when the extraction is necessary can be helpful. Reach out today to find out more!

Request an appointment here: https://www.drbrucematson.com or call Bruce Matson, DDS at (713) 481-4626 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Houston, TX.

Recent Posts

4 Tips To Prepare For A Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a safe, relatively quick procedure. Still, it’s a good idea to understand the procedure and prepare for it as best as possible. This will make both the procedure and the post-surgical recovery go as smoothly as possible. The dentist or surgeon performing the surgery will likely want to know your medical history beforehand.…

Tooth Extraction: 5 Do's And Don'ts After Surgery

It can be hard to know exactly how to recover properly after tooth extraction. Long ago, there was a lot of pain involved afterward, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques, which results in less swelling and less pain. Nonetheless, there are still a few things to consider after tooth…

When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

Tooth extraction, or dental extraction, is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are many different reasons that a dentist may recommend tooth extraction, and it can be performed on any tooth inside the mouth. It is helpful to understand why a dentist may recommend it and how it can help your long-term…

Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Extraction

Sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary. This procedure is not an easy thing to do, but it is often crucial for maintaining oral health, especially when leaving the affected tooth could cause other, usually much more severe health concerns. Some of the reasons for tooth extraction can be avoided with preventive care like dental checkups…

Bruce Matson, DDS

Share
Published by
Bruce Matson, DDS

Recent Posts

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat…

3 weeks ago

How a Dental Bridge Can Improve Your Oral Health

Dental bridges provide many benefits, including improving one's ability to eat and communicate.

2 months ago

3 Things To Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

Whitening treatments are customizable to fit the patient’s budget, time frame, and preferences. Read on…

3 months ago

4 Reasons to Get General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…

4 months ago

Same Day Denture Repair

Learn how same-day denture repair services can help you. When your dentures chip, crack or…

5 months ago

How a Family Dentist Restores Damaged or Missing Teeth

Here are the details on how a family dentist can bring back your damaged or…

6 months ago