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A wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that not a lot of people look forward to. However, these procedures are done in order to avoid future complications such as pain, overcrowding or crookedness, which makes them worthwhile in the end. Wondering when to get a wisdom tooth extraction? There are some scenarios that may make it more of a necessity though ultimately, it is up to the dentist to help the patient determine the right time.

Reasons for a wisdom tooth extraction

Those who are wondering about having a wisdom tooth extracted may find it to be helpful to go over the circumstances a dentist is more likely to recommend the procedure.

At a young age

It is generally preferable to have wisdom teeth extracted at an early age. Most people’s wisdom teeth do not fully erupt until their late adolescence or early adulthood. Regardless, it is better to have these late molars removed as soon as they erupt. This can pre-emptively eliminate any overcrowding or pain that may occur, plus younger patients usually recover more quickly.

Due to pain

Wisdom teeth often cause an immense amount of pain when they come in. Dentists may have a hard time helping patients manage the pain because growing teeth cannot necessarily be stopped. Instead, a wisdom tooth extraction should eliminate the pain after the procedure. When the pain starts occurring, it is a good idea to consult with a dentist in order to get started with the extraction process. Oftentimes, though, the patient will have to wait until the teeth fully erupt before extraction can take place. 

Because of overcrowding

When the wisdom teeth come in, a lot of patients experience overcrowding, which can become problematic because the mouth is only so big. Patients may want to inquire about wisdom tooth extraction as soon as these final molars start to come in and push up against the other teeth.

Overcrowding can cause the surrounding teeth to get pushed out of place, which can cause crookedness and even pain. This could reverse orthodontic treatment or cause problems that may not have existed prior to the eruption of the wisdom teeth.

Prior to orthodontic treatment

Dentists often recommend that wisdom teeth be extracted prior to orthodontic treatment, if possible. If these teeth do happen to erupt during orthodontic treatment, it can be difficult to pull them without stopping the treatment. Patients who wear traditional braces may have to have them removed in order for the wisdom tooth extraction to take place. In some scenarios, if orthodontic treatment is for a younger child, then the dentist will proceed prior to the wisdom teeth growing in. 

Contact us today!

A wisdom tooth extraction can help avoid problems later in life. It is important to know when to have the procedure done. Our team of dentists can help you figure out when the right time is. Give us a call or stop by our office so that we can help you further.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thedentistindenverco.com or call Gregg L Lage DDS, PC at 303-427-4552 for an appointment in our Denver office.