Wisdom Teeth Removal: Optimal Age and Key Considerations

While wisdom tooth removal can theoretically be performed at almost any age, dentists typically recommend the procedure within a specific time frame. But why does age matter?

Predictive guidelines are based on factors like root development, bone density, and the body’s natural healing capacity—all of which change with age. These elements influence both the complexity of the extraction and the risk of postoperative complications.

Full-mouth X-ray showing four impacted wisdom teeth.

This guide explains why dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth between the ages of 18 and 24—a period considered ideal due to lower risks and faster recovery. It also discusses the feasibility of extractions in older patients, outlining key considerations for those who have postponed this procedure.

1) What’s the best age for wisdom tooth extraction?

There’s no set rule stating a specific age by which a person “must” have their wisdom teeth removed. That’s because third molar extractions can be performed successfully for patients in all age groups.

But, as we outline below, from a standpoint of statistics, there are a number of interrelated tooth formation/age factors that tend to place comparatively older patients at greater risk for complications.

The typical recommendation for 3rd molar extraction –

Based on the factors and issues we outline and discuss on this page, dentists typically recommend that wisdom teeth should (most ideally) be removed between the ages of 18 and 24 years.

2) Why is the age range 18 to 24 preferred?

a) Why age 18?

Here’s why.

A dentist will typically lever an impacted tooth out using an elevator. Extraction instruments overview.

The ideal stage for wisdom tooth extraction is 2/3rds root development.

Why 2/3rds formation is ideal.

At this point, enough root structure exists to help to stabilize the tooth as it’s being manipulated by the dentist’s instruments. Yet the tooth’s immature roots are still comparatively short and blunted. As such, they’ll offer less resistance to removal and won’t be as prone to fracture.

▲ Section references – Koerner

b) Why age 24?

Choosing the age of 24 for the upper end of the ideal range is based on the fact that the dentist wants to remove the tooth within that time frame when their patient’s risk for complications is at a minimum.

c) An overriding factor.

Of course, any discussion about the preferred age for extracting wisdom teeth implies that a decision can be made about the need for their removal in the first place.

In some cases, it takes additional time to determine if a particular tooth really is likely to remain impacted. Case criteria. That’s because some teeth that have an errant initial inclination, or seem slow to erupt, may ultimately come into normal position if given enough time.

▲ Section references – Hupp

A different approach – Third molar germectomy.

Germectomy is generally defined as the extraction of a tooth whose root is less than one third formed. And while the use of this approach is not widespread, it can be practiced with wisdom teeth.

Doing so implies that the patient will be comparatively young. A stage of 1/3rd root formation or less for third molars is generally associated with patients ages 8 through 17 years.

That means that performing a germectomy can be somewhat difficult clinically (limited oral access, reduced patient cooperation). It also means adjacent developing teeth might be placed at risk of damage.

▲ Section references – Chiapasco

3) Complication rates for wisdom tooth extractions tend to vary with age.

What research reports.

• Pogrel cites a study involving over 4,000 patients who had wisdom tooth extractions. It found that the risk of complications for patients over the age of 25 years was 1.5 times the rate experienced by those who were younger.

  It also concluded that, within any particular age group, the incidence of complications for a patient generally increased with each year of age.

• Another study (Chiapasco) that evaluated third molar surgeries found the complication rate for patients ages 17 to 24 to be 2.8%. For those over the age of 24 years (a population ranging in age from 25 to 67), the incidence rate was 7.4%.

▲ Section references – Pogrel, Chiapasco

Complete root formation may make it more likely nerve damage will occur.

Why is age an issue?

Root formation.

• With other factors being similar, teeth with longer roots tend to be more difficult to extract. As a result, more surgical trauma may be created, which makes the process of post-surgical healing more involved.
• Longer roots are more likely to lie in close proximity to anatomical structures (like nerves, see illustration), which may become damaged or otherwise involved during the surgical process.

Bone density.

Bone rigidity tends to increase with age (due to a higher degree of calcification).

That means that a greater degree of force, or more bone removal, may be required during the extraction process, thus making it more traumatic.

Reduced capacity for healing.

It’s normal that with age a person will find they are generally less resilient and healing and recovery become more drawn out.

Age alone isn’t a contraindication.

Collectively, the factors above explain why comparatively older patients experience a higher complication rate.

But it’s important to note that for healthy individuals, age alone should not necessarily be considered to be a significant risk factor (in the sense that an extraction should not be performed if sound reasons warrant it).

When do most people have their wisdom teeth taken out?

Evaluating the number of web searches for the terms ‘wisdom teeth’ and ‘dry sockets’ is revealing.

It seems likely that most people have their teeth removed during their summer vacation.

This only makes sense since most third molar extractions are performed for people between the ages of 18 and 24 years, a group whose schedule is often closely coordinated with the school calendar.

a) Our ‘wisdom teeth’ graph makes a pretty good case for this claim.

As evidence for this theory, take a look at our graph.

The 5 years of data we evaluated (2004 – 2009) demonstrates that web search volume for the term ‘wisdom teeth’ spikes at times corresponding with school-term breaks, especially summer.

Of course, we’re making the assumption that most people only perform web searches about activities they are planning or are involved with. With a subject as dry as wisdom teeth, that seems a safe enough bet.

b) Our ‘dry socket’ graph seems to confirm our ‘wisdom teeth’ findings.

As further evidence, take a look at the graph below.

For this graph, we evaluated the search term ‘dry socket’ (a common complication associated with wisdom tooth extraction). And when plotted, it seems to demonstrate that search traffic related to this term peaks in mid to late summer too.