When to Remove Wisdom Teeth? A Comprehensive Dental Guide for Patients and Professionals

Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to erupt in the dental arch, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Evolutionarily, they were once essential for breaking down hard foods, but today their role has diminished significantly. Modern diets and eating habits mean that wisdom teeth are more often associated with health problems than with functional benefits.
The decision to remove them depends on many clinical and anatomical factors, as well as the patient's general health. In this article, I will present indications, contraindications, and the latest diagnostic techniques that allow for making the optimal decision in this area.

Indications for Wisdom Teeth Removal – What Does Science Say?

In dental practice, the decision to remove wisdom teeth is based on detailed diagnostics and risk analysis of potential complications. Key indications include:

1. Impacted teeth

Impacted teeth, both completely and partially, are a source of numerous problems. They can lead to the formation of embryonic cysts, which in advanced cases cause resorption of the jaw bone.

2. Inflammation of the gums around the tooth

Partially erupting wisdom teeth encourage the accumulation of food debris and the growth of bacteria. This leads to painful inflammation of the gum surrounding the tooth. Symptoms include swelling, pain radiating to the ear, and difficulty swallowing.

3. Crowding of teeth in the arch

Wisdom teeth often cause pressure on neighboring teeth, which can lead to shifting, crowding, and even enamel damage. This is especially important for patients after orthodontic treatment, where the stability of the dental arch is crucial.

4. Dental caries and periodontal disease

Difficulties in cleaning wisdom teeth, especially when they are partially erupted, increase the risk of developing caries and periodontal inflammation. In such cases, conservative treatment is often ineffective, and extraction becomes necessary.

5. Preparation for orthodontic or prosthetic treatment

Wisdom tooth removal is often recommended before getting orthodontic braces or planning prosthetic rehabilitation to ensure optimal space for the remaining teeth.

Contraindications to wisdom tooth extraction – should they always be removed?

Not every wisdom tooth requires extraction. The decision to extract should take into account not only the clinical indications but also the patient's general condition. Contraindications may include:

  • No clinical symptoms – If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly positioned in the dental arch and do not cause any problems, their removal is not necessary.
  • Systemic diseases – Uncontrolled diabetes, hematological disorders or heart disease may increase the risk of complications after the procedure.
  • Advanced age – In older patients, extraction may be associated with a more difficult healing process and a greater risk of jaw fracture.

Diagnostics – the key to the right decision

Nowoczesna diagnostyka radiologiczna, taka jak pantomogram i tomografia komputerowa stożkowa (CBCT), pozwala dokładnie ocenić położenie ósemek, ich stosunek do sąsiednich struktur (np. nerwu zębodołowego dolnego) oraz potencjalne ryzyko związane z ekstrakcją.
W naszej klinice Dr Kittel Digital Dentistry & Medicine wykorzystujemy zaawansowane technologie obrazowania, aby zapewnić maksymalne bezpieczeństwo pacjentom.

Kiedy usuwać ósemki? Wskazania, przeciwwskazania i czas na decyzję

How is wisdom tooth removal performed?

Wisdom tooth extraction can be a simple procedure if the tooth is fully erupted or a more complicated surgical procedure in the case of impacted teeth.

  1. Local anesthesia – this is the basic method of pain relief used in modern dentistry. Its aim is to completely eliminate the feeling of pain in the area where the procedure is performed
  2. Tooth extraction – This may involve cutting the gum, removing a piece of bone, and separating the tooth into smaller pieces.
  3. Wound care – After the procedure, dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures are placed and the patient receives recommendations for oral care.

In our clinic, to support the healing process and minimize the risk of complications, we use PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) – an advanced regenerative technology that uses platelet-rich fibrin, which accelerates tissue healing and reduces the risk of infection. Thanks to PRF, the post-procedure recovery process is faster and more comfortable.

Summary – The Key to Oral Health

The decision to remove wisdom teeth is not only a matter of eliminating potential problems, but also an investment in the health of the entire oral cavity. Regular check-ups, precise diagnostics and an individual approach to each case are the pillars of effective treatment.
At Dr Kittel Digital Dentistry & Medicine in Wrocław at ul. Królewiecka 161/16 we use the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety. Trust our experience and take care of the health of your wisdom teeth today!

Author

  • The owner of the Dr Kittel Digital Dentistry & Medicine clinic. A graduate of the Medical University of Silesian Piasts in Wrocław. He deals with implantology, implant prosthetics, surgery, and advanced CAD/CAM prosthetics. Trainer and lecturer at GC, Stick Tech, opinion leader. Member of PSI and ITI. She was named Coach of the Year in 2007 in Finland.