Aging Inquiry: Am I Too Old to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Having wisdom teeth removed has become such a standard service among young people today that many consider it a rite of passage as they grow into adulthood. However, some teens who never undergo treatment can develop problems with their third molars later in life.

As a result, some older adults wonder whether they’ve waited too long to try to have their problematic teeth taken out. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to have your wisdom teeth extracted based on your age, continue reading to learn more about it!

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are third molars that usually arrive years after your other permanent teeth have already erupted, often between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. There are usually four of them- one for each quadrant of the mouth- though it’s possible to be born with fewer or even none at all!

It’s believed that ancient humans evolved them out of necessity to survive on a hard diet of nuts, seeds, berries, and tough meats. Thanks to cooked foods, eating utensils, and contemporary dental care, these teeth no longer serve a functional purpose and are considered a vestigial feature. Unfortunately, they tend to cause problems when they arrive, and so are removed more often than not.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are several reasons your dentist might recommend this service, such as:

• Discomfort. They can cause throbbing and aches that spread to the jaw, ear, and neck.
• Overcrowding. They often push neighboring teeth out of alignment when they struggle to push through your gums.
• Impaction. If they become trapped in your gums or jawbone, they might develop a cyst or infection requiring oral surgery.
• Oral issues. They might only partially clear your gumline, which makes it hard to brush and floss them, which can result in cavities or periodontal swelling and inflammation.

Am I Too Old to Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

If you never experienced outright problems with your wisdom teeth in your youth, there’s a chance they were never noticed, let alone taken out. Unfortunately, there’s still a chance they might cause problems later in life, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and aches. If you’re experiencing these or other symptoms, you might wonder if it’s even feasible for adults to successfully undergo an extraction.

Thankfully, there’s no age restriction or requirement when it comes to removing problematic teeth, but recovery might take longer because the jawbone is stronger and less flexible. For example, while a younger patient might bounce back about 1 to 3 days after their appointment, older patients might take a week or longer.  

If you’re unsure whether your current dental concerns are due to still-present wisdom teeth, your provider can examine your condition and take X-rays to determine whether they require removal!

About the Practice

Patients at Anderson Dental Center benefit from a team of providers eager to help people of all ages build and maintain their most beautiful and healthiest smiles. With general and cosmetic dentists, an orthodontist, and an oral surgeon on staff, they can provide a comprehensive menu of services, including wisdom tooth extractions, to meet the entire family’s needs under one roof. They also offer multiple options for sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your procedure, regardless of age. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (201) 546-7435.