Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 16 and 25. In some people they erupt properly and cause no problems, while in others they develop at an improper angle or do not have enough space in the jaw, which can lead to pain, swelling, shifting of other teeth, and inflammation.

When is the right time to remove wisdom teeth
If an X-ray shows that the lower wisdom teeth will not erupt properly, it is best to remove them before the roots finish developing, that is, around the age of 16.
At that time: the roots are formed only halfway, the position of the wisdom tooth is already known, the tissues are softer and more elastic, recovery is faster and without complications, and the patient is mature enough to cooperate well during the procedure.

In certain cases, if it is already estimated at an earlier age (around 8 years old) that the wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt, it is possible to plan a germectomy, removal of the tooth bud, before crown calcification begins.

Why the procedure should not be delayed
Some patients decide to remove their wisdom teeth only when they begin to cause problems. However, it is much better to do it preventively, at a younger age while the body is healthy and the bone is still softer and well-vascularized (up to around 35–40 years). At that time, healing is faster and the possibility of complications is minimal.

When extraction can be postponed
Extraction of wisdom teeth can be postponed if: the tooth is expected to erupt properly, if the wisdom tooth is needed as a support for a prosthetic restoration, or if it is deeply impacted in the bone, causes no symptoms, and its removal would be risky.