If you have any wisdom teeth, you may know they’re often removed in early adulthood. Many teens and twenty-somethings even see the extraction work as a rite of passage. With that said, the truth is that you’re never too old to have wisdom teeth removed. Adults of all ages can get this particular treatment, though it proceeds differently for older patients. Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth and a few of the reasons it benefits older patients to have theirs removed.
Never Too Old for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most wisdom teeth are removed between 17 and 25, as they tend to emerge at those ages. However, it’s quite possible to get your third molars extracted years or decades later.
In some cases, extraction simply isn’t needed at younger ages. A dentist can just leave the wisdom teeth alone if your mouth has room for them. Instead, they’d only remove your “extra” third molars when they cause problems in your later years – cavities, infections, etc.
More crucially, older patients can (and often do) qualify for extraction. The process is perfectly safe and wouldn’t cause any damage to your mouth. If anything, getting the treatment would improve your oral health.
How Does It Work for Older Patients?
To be fair, wisdom tooth extraction works differently for older patients. It can involve risks that you should note ahead of treatment. However, the procedure is largely the same and involves the steps used for younger patients.
One risk to note is a longer recovery period. Younger patients often heal from tooth extraction in 1-3 days, but an older adult may need a week or more. The final healing rate will depend on your oral health and whether you follow your dentist’s instructions.
Another concern is post-extraction complications. Depending on your treatment, the removal could result in bleeding, infection, or nerve injuries. That’s because wisdom tooth roots grow close enough to nerves that removal can cause knicks. Still, such complications are very rare; dentists can also therapies and surgeries that treat them.
Upsides to Wisdom Teeth Removal
Despite its minor risks, wisdom tooth removal for older patients has many perks. These include the following:
- Reduced Crowding – Because wisdom teeth take up space, removing them reduces dental crowding. That means treatment can help you avoid crooked teeth that need correction.
- Great Oral Health – Left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth can damage other teeth and cause oral cysts. Having it removed would make these outcomes less likely.
- Less Oran Pain – When they’re left alone, wisdom teeth can inflame your gums and make your mouth sensitive. Their removal would ease such unpleasant discomfort.
Since you’re never too old to have wisdom teeth removed, consider treatment soon. Your dentist would gladly do this work for you!
About the Practice
TrueCare Dentistry is based in Mesquite, TX. Led by the amazing Dr. Rana, our practice always aims to provide families with comprehensive dental care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including wisdom tooth extractions. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (469)-399-7288.