Wisdom teeth removal is a standard practice for most young adults these days, but not necessarily everyone needs to have the procedure done.

That being said, just because you cannot see your wisdom teeth poking through your gums or they are not causing you pain, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to have them removed.

How do I know if I should have my wisdom teeth removed?

The best way to find out if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is by taking a trip to the dentist. Your dentist will be able to tell you if your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing crowding in your mouth. Impacted teeth are not able to break through the gums and into the mouth, either because they are growing in the wrong direction or there is not enough room.

This is one of the main reasons why wisdom teeth are removed. When it gets too crowded back there, your wisdom teeth could end up putting pressure on your other teeth, causing them to shift out of place over time. This can also be quite painful.

Wisdom teeth that are growing in improperly can also cause defects in the neighbouring teeth, cavities, jaw damage, cysts and/or nerve damage.

Even wisdom teeth that are erupted, that is, have broken through the gums, may need to be removed as they can still cause problems. These include crowding and being difficult to clean, which in turn makes them susceptible to cavities and associated gum disease.

When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

There is no set age, but most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early adult years. Most dentists recommend having the procedure done as young as possible as removing the teeth becomes more difficult as we get older, and it can also take our bodies longer to heal.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If you’re over the age of thirty and haven’t experienced any issues with your wisdom teeth, you’re probably in the clear.

If you’re not sure about whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed, it’s time to talk to your dentist. Contact Kelowna Dental Solutions today to book your check up.