“Is it normal to get wisdom teeth when you're 14?”
My friend's daughter is only 14 years old, but she's already getting her wisdom teeth removed. I thought that you didn't normally get them until you're, like, 20. Is this normal?
9 Answers
A bit early, but certainly not something that can't happen. Sometimes delayed eruption of the second molars is misinterpreted as early eruption of the third molars (wisdom teeth).
Skeletal age and dental age don’t always coincide. If surgeon said it was appropriate to remove, then I would agree. Most 20 year olds have longer roots which can have complications.
Anywhere from 14 years old to 16 years old is normal for removal of impacted wisdom teeth
14 is a bit young, however, there may be compelling factors. If your friend's daughter is getting braces, the orthodontist may want the wisdom teeth removed to create space to move other teeth or they may be interfering with the eruption of other teeth.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
It could be. There is a very large Bell curve of tooth development. Some kids at 14 already have wisdom teeth like some 20 year olds. It all depends on how their x-ray appears.
That is all variable and every patient's growth patterns vary. Someone who is 14 may have the wisdom tooth development of an 18-year-old, thus making it necessary for removal. However, removing wisdom teeth in patients under 14 is quite rare.
Very common. Age is relative. Some patients have obviously impacted 3rd molars when they are you. The younger the better as it is safer and easier for the patient. Less risk to inferior alveolar nerve.
Yes, it is normal. Having the wisdom teeth removed when they are not completely formed, it is less traumatic to the patient and faster recovery time.
Ages can vary a great deal regarding wisdom teeth removal. I have seen them in as young as 11 years old. Not uncommon - I see a couple a month.
William C. Storoe IV, DDS
William C. Storoe IV, DDS
