People begin to get their third molars (wisdom teeth) when they reach their late teens or early twenties.  In most cases, jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth. 

Serious problems can develop from these impacted teeth.  Symptoms include pain, infection, and crowding of, or damage to, adjacent teeth.  For teeth that are fully impacted, more serious problems often occur.  The sac that surrounds the impacted tooth can fill with fluid and can grow into a cyst.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?  

No one can tell you when your teeth will start to cause trouble.  Taking a x-ray image of your third molars is the key.  These images can predict if a patient's wisdom teeth are going to cause trouble, in the near future or long-term.  If so, Dr. Hildebrand will recommend removal of the impacted third molars rather than wait for painful complications.