Wisdom tooth extractions are often seen as a rite of passage for young adults. Usually, when a patient is somewhere between the ages of 17 and 25, their dentist will recommend that their third molars be extracted. This can prevent a number of oral health problems. But what if you are now in your 30s, 40s, or older and still have your wisdom teeth? You might wonder, “Am I too old to get my wisdom teeth removed?” The answer is no. Read on to learn more.
Why Consider Wisdom Tooth Extractions as an Adult?
If you regularly visited your dentist when you were younger, and they never recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed, it was probably because there was no reason to perform the procedure. In all likelihood, your wisdom teeth were not threatening your oral health, and your dentist reasoned that they were unlikely to do so in the near future.
Unfortunately, even if your wisdom teeth were unproblematic when you were younger, that can change as you age. Some adults get infections around their wisdom teeth. There is also the possibility that cysts will develop or that the wisdom teeth will start to move and push nearby teeth out of alignment. All of these scenarios are good reasons to consider wisdom tooth removal as a mature adult.
Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Some people can retain their wisdom teeth for a lifetime and suffer no ill consequences as a result. However, you should visit your dentist every six months so they can assess your oral health and check on your third molars. If they identify any developing issues, you may need to undergo extractions.
You should also see your dentist right away if you begin to develop pain or other symptoms around your wisdom teeth, such as pus or food impaction (an accumulation of food stuck between your teeth).
What to Expect with Wisdom Tooth Removal as an Adult
Wisdom tooth extractions can be performed when a patient is any age. However, the treatment experience may be different for older individuals.
Human bones tend to become harder as time passes. Therefore, it will be more challenging for your dental team to remove your wisdom teeth now than it would have been when you were younger. The procedure may be more invasive, and you could face a longer recovery time.
However, there is no need to be unduly worried. Your dentist will coach you on things you can do to facilitate an easier healing process. For example, you should get enough rest, diligently care for your oral hygiene, and take appropriate doses of pain medication.
There is no such thing as being “too old” for wisdom tooth extractions. This procedure has the potential to benefit patients of almost any age!
Meet the Practice
Willow Run Dental Association is proud to host an expert team of dentists, all of whom are proud to serve the Auburn community. If you suspect you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, we will be happy to assess the situation and perform your procedure if necessary. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 207-352-2825.