Wisdom teeth — also known as third molars — are the last teeth to emerge, typically between ages 17 and 25. While some people never develop problems with their wisdom teeth, the majority of patients in the Indianapolis area benefit from having them removed before complications arise.
## Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
The human jaw has evolved to be smaller than our ancient ancestors' jaws, yet we still develop the same number of teeth. This mismatch frequently causes wisdom teeth to become impacted — meaning they don't have enough room to emerge properly.
- Grow at an angle toward the adjacent molar
- Grow at a right angle, lying horizontally within the jaw
- Remain trapped below the gum line entirely
- Partially emerge, creating a flap of gum tissue that traps bacteria
## Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth is one of the most common signs. This can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain that makes it difficult to eat or open your mouth fully.
Swelling and inflammation around the gum tissue covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth (a condition called pericoronitis) can become infected and extremely painful.
Crowding of adjacent teeth occurs when wisdom teeth push against neighboring molars. This can undo years of orthodontic work.
Cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth in rare cases, potentially damaging surrounding teeth, nerves, and bone.
Tooth decay is more common in wisdom teeth because their position makes them difficult to clean properly, even with diligent brushing and flossing.
## When Is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) generally recommends evaluation by an oral surgeon in the mid-teen years — even before wisdom teeth cause obvious symptoms. Here's why:
- **Roots are not fully formed** in younger patients, making extraction easier and recovery faster
- **Bone is less dense**, allowing the teeth to be removed more easily
- **The risk of complications** such as nerve involvement is lower before roots fully develop
- **Recovery is faster** for younger patients
That said, wisdom tooth removal is commonly performed in adults of all ages. It's never too late to address problematic wisdom teeth.
## What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Surgery
At Oral Surgeons of Indiana, wisdom teeth are removed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your preferences and the complexity of your case. The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes.
After surgery, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for 3–5 days. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and are always available to answer questions during your recovery.
## Should You Wait to See If They Cause Problems?
Many patients ask if it's okay to "watch and wait." While monitoring is appropriate in some cases — particularly for older adults where the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits — proactive removal often leads to better outcomes for younger patients.
If you or your child is approaching the wisdom teeth years, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We'll take a cone beam CT scan, evaluate the position of the teeth, and give you an honest recommendation tailored to your specific situation.