Should teenagers have their wisdom teeth removed? When is the best age to have them taken out?

We recommend wisdom-teeth removal if a teenager has any of the following problems: pain; damage to adjacent teeth; gum disease; tooth decay; lack of space to accommodate the teeth; infection; or cysts. If wisdom teeth must be removed, it is best to wait until the roots are approximately two-thirds formed. This stage of root growth usually corresponds to late adolescence and allows for an easier procedure with an easier recovery.