Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, usually between the ages of seventeen and twenty five, and by the time they arrive there is often simply not enough room in the jaw for them. That lack of space is what leads to most of the problems associated with them.
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully break through the gum, it becomes impacted, meaning it is stuck at an angle against the neighboring tooth or trapped beneath the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain, and infection, and over time the pressure they put on nearby molars can lead to crowding or damage even in teeth that were previously healthy and well aligned.
Removing wisdom teeth earlier, often in the late teens or early twenties, tends to be easier on the patient than waiting. At that age the roots are usually less developed and the surrounding bone is softer, which generally means a quicker procedure, a smoother recovery, and a lower risk of complications like nerve involvement compared to removal later in life.
Regular checkups and X rays let your dentist track how your wisdom teeth are developing and recommend removal at the right time, before pain or infection forces the issue. At Oasis Dental in Aurora, we evaluate wisdom teeth as part of routine care and handle extractions in house. Call (720) 680-2688 or schedule online for an evaluation.