Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge at the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25 for most patients. While scientists believe that these teeth were historically essential for the coarse diets that our ancestors consumed, these days, they tend to cause more problems than they solve. This is why wisdom tooth extractions are among the most common of all dental procedures, capable of even being performed during a patient’s youth. But what about older patients; can they have their wisdom teeth removed without issue, or does age present any hurdles that must be overcome? Continue reading below to learn more.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Need to Be Removed?
It’s worth mentioning that not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed; there are those fortunate few who have a fully developed jaw early on in life, and if there’s enough space for the teeth, your dentist may want to simply leave them alone. Research indicates that there are no proven health benefits to pulling wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems—so if you still have yours and they aren’t causing you any grief, thank your lucky stars!
However, wisdom teeth may cause uncomfortable and undesirable issues later in life. Their location makes it virtually impossible for them to be brushed and flossed properly, meaning they’re at a much greater risk of decay and gum infections. It’s also possible for wisdom teeth to become impacted, which means the tooth in question is unable to correctly erupt through the gumline. They can also cause other teeth to shift out of place, causing unfavorable dental alignment and potentially damaging other teeth or oral structures.
When Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There’s no “set” age for when wisdom teeth must be removed—every smile is different, meaning that every patient’s dental circumstances vary. Generally speaking, it’s easier to remove them when a patient is younger since their roots aren’t as deeply embedded, which is why many patients have theirs removed during their teenage years or early 20s. However, they can still be removed at any point during a patient’s life.
Though it is possible to have your wisdom teeth removed at an older age, oral surgery can sometimes be more challenging for adults over the age of 50. This is due to the fact that jawbone density tends to decrease with age, coupled with longer expected recovery times and a greater risk of post-operative issues like bleeding or infection. However, these complications can be limited by keeping up with oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly, among other good and sensible habits!
If you suspect you might need your wisdom teeth removed, your first step is to visit your dentist for an examination. If you’re noticing issues such as persistent pain and irritation in the back of your mouth, jaw stiffness, swollen or bleeding gums, or other signs of oral infection, it might be a sign that your wisdom teeth need to go!
About the Practice
Here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates, our team proudly serves the dental needs of families in Worcester and the surrounding areas. If you think it might be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted, or you have any general questions about the procedure, feel free to contact us online for further information or to find the closest office to you!
