It is common for young people — those in their late teens and early 20s — to undergo wisdom tooth extractions. This is often the best time for the procedure, but what if you are older? If you never had your wisdom teeth removed, have you missed your chance? No, you have not! In this blog post, you will learn what you should know about undergoing this procedure as a mature adult.
Why Wisdom Tooth Extractions Are Usually Performed on Young People
Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the late teen years and the mid-20s. During this stage of life, the roots may not be fully developed, and the jawbone is often less dense than it will be later. As a result, removal can be relatively simple, with less stress on the nearby bone and tissue than what would be expected with older patients.
Plus, removing wisdom teeth relatively early in life can be an important preventive measure that lowers the risk of issues like infections, cysts, and decay later in life.
There Is No Upper Age Limit for Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you are past your teens or 20s, you are not automatically disqualified from wisdom tooth removal. In fact, adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond regularly undergo this procedure without any complications.
Of course, not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. If yours are healthy and are not threatening your oral health, it may be perfectly fine for you to keep them. On the other hand, your dentist may recommend extractions if your wisdom teeth cause pain, swelling, repeated infection, decay, gum disease, or harm to nearby teeth. They may also advise removal if X-rays show that a tooth is impacted or positioned in a way that could lead to damage in the future.
How Your Age Might Affect Your Treatment Experience
Your age might have a slight impact on your treatment experience. Mature wisdom teeth often have longer roots than those of younger people, and the bone around them may be harder. This can make the procedure more complex, especially if the tooth sits close to a nerve, the sinus cavity, or an adjacent molar.
Your recovery may also take more time than it would for a teenager. You might need extra rest, and if you take medication or have medical conditions, they might affect your pre- or post-treatment instructions.
Adults of all ages can be eligible for wisdom tooth extractions! Talk to your dentist if you believe you could benefit from this procedure.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we provide comprehensive oral health services for our community. We regularly perform wisdom tooth extractions for patients of varying ages, and we always strive to make the process as comfortable as possible. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or other aspects of your oral wellness, we would be happy to speak with you. To request an appointment, contact our Woodbridge location at 203-409-2535.