It is not uncommon to find mature teenagers and young adults preparing for wisdom tooth extraction. This “rite of passage” is one that many patients endure when they’re between the ages of 16 and 25, but what if you are now an older adult? Can wisdom teeth be removed once you’re in your 30s, 40s, or even your 50s? Read on to discover why there is no age cap when it comes to wisdom tooth extractions and why this procedure can be beneficial even if you’re no longer a teenager.
Can You Be Too Old to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No, you’re never too old to have your wisdom teeth extracted. In fact, these third molars may not cause many problems during the normal age range that most people experience issues.
As you get older, though, you may find that it becomes harder to clean these teeth, putting you at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Some of the most common reasons to have these teeth removed include:
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Your teeth are no longer in the same position but instead are shifting
- You struggle with gum disease, which can put you at risk for a serious dental infection
- There is a potential risk of damage to your bone or tooth roots because of a growing cyst
Is the Process for Removal Different for Older Adults?
Typically, you can expect that your wisdom tooth removal will be different as an older adult. The reason is that you are likely to suffer less bone density as you age, and it may take longer for you to thoroughly heal.
When preparing to undergo wisdom tooth extraction, you will have a scheduled consultation with your dentist to discuss the problem areas and what treatment will be like. After going over your medical and dental history, you will go over the type of medications you are taking to ensure that you do not continue taking any that might cause issues on the day of your procedure.
Depending on how many teeth need to be removed (1-4), the average surgery will take about an hour; however, this can be longer depending on how long it takes for you to respond to the anesthesia that is administered beforehand. Also, bone or gum tissue may need to be lacerated, especially if the teeth are impacted.
Recovery for this type of procedure can range between 1 and 3 days, but it can take up to a week. What you want to make sure of is that you allow your body to heal thoroughly before performing strenuous activity.
Although you may be more mature in years, the benefits of having your wisdom teeth removed will ensure that you continue to enjoy better oral health in the years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is a trusted Denton dentist who leads the team at Prime Dentistry. Committed to helping patients enjoy healthier smiles, he and his team can perform tooth extractions on patients of all ages. From teenagers to older, more mature adults, this procedure proves to be beneficial in ensuring optimal oral health for the future. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
