Why is wisdom tooth extraction so common?

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth (or third molars) are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. There are four: two on top and two on the bottom. They usually erupt between the ages of 16 and 25, hence the name "wisdom" associated with maturity!

They are an evolutionary relic : our ancestors needed them to chew hard foods. Today, they are often problematic because our jaws have become smaller...

But why are they removed so often?

Is it a good thing to extract them?

Yes! It's prevention before complications arise.

Unlike a "normal" molar, which has a chewing function, wisdom teeth are largely unnecessary . One can live very comfortably without them.

At what age are they extracted?

Between 16 and 25 years old, in 80% of cases.

This is the age when they grow and problems become apparent. At this age:

• The bone is still relatively young (faster healing)

• The roots are not always fully formed (making extraction easier).

• The patient is generally in good general health

Exceptions:

• Later (25-35 years old) : if wisdom teeth erupt very slowly or if problems arise late

• After 40 : rare, but possible if a complication arises. Healing is slower, and extraction is more delicate.

• Earlier (14-16 years old) : if dental crowding becomes problematic and extraction would help orthodontic treatment

The consequences of extraction and its evolution over time

Wisdom tooth extraction has fewer consequences than the removal of an important molar, since they serve no purpose. However, there are still some impacts to be aware of.

Warning signs: when to contact the dentist?

⚠️ Consult immediately if:

• Heavy bleeding that continues beyond 24 hours or that starts again heavily

• Intense and increasing pain after day 3-4 (suggests an infection: alveolitis)

• Fever : a sign of infection

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing : emergency

• Numbness that persists after a few days

Extract 1, 2, 3 or 4 wisdom teeth?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted.

• Single extraction: If only one tooth is causing a problem, it is removed.

• Extraction of 2: Often the two upper teeth or the two lower teeth (right side + left side) can be extracted at the same time.

• Extraction of 4: Less common, usually over 2 appointments (top then bottom, or 1-2 weeks apart), otherwise healing and feeding become too difficult.

Honest advice: Don't wait for a painful infection to take action. Many patients wait until it hurts, which makes the procedure more difficult and the recovery slower. Preventive extraction as soon as a problem is identified is often the wiser approach.