When is the Right Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is a familiar procedure. In fact, it is so common that many people consider wisdom teeth extraction as a type of ‘right of passage’ into adulthood. This is due to the fact that this procedure is often performed around the age of 15-25. However, every mouth is different. You can’t always rely on your age to determine when and if you should have these back molars removed.

Your dentist will consider several factors when recommending the timing of wisdom teeth removal, including your age, the position of your tooth and its root formation. In general, younger patients handle wisdom teeth removal surgery better than older patients and experience fewer complications. However, the root formation must also be considered. Ideally, the best time to remove the wisdom tooth is when only one-third of the root has formed. If more than two-thirds of the root has formed, the risk associated with wisdom teeth removal can increase.

The most obvious factor in determining when and if a patient should have wisdom teeth removal is the position of the teeth. Are they blocking the second molars? Do they appear as if they are or will become impacted? Are they only partially erupted? Dental x-rays can answer these questions for a dentist. Since wisdom teeth have no functional importance, we always err on the side of caution and remove them if it looks like they will be a problem. Due to their back position in the mouth and the typical lack of jaw space for these teeth to erupt in a harmless way, wisdom teeth removal is very common.

Wisdom Teeth Removal from an IV Sedation Dentist

At Dream Dentist, we are proud to have a highly-qualified sedation dentist who performs wisdom teeth removal. We are fully confident that we can keep you comfortable during this straightforward procedure. Dr. Thompson also realizes that wisdom teeth are highly variable in terms of eruption time and root formation compared to other teeth. Therefore, we recommend scheduling an appointment to better evaluate your timeline and candidacy for wisdom teeth extraction.


Dream Dentist
1646 W U.S. 50
O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 726-2699