Can You Be Too Old to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Indeed, leaving wisdom teeth alone can cause problems. Dentists usually remove them when patients are in their teens or twenties. However, what if you didn’t get yours removed at that age? Is it too late for the procedure? In reality, there’s no reason to fear – no age limit exists for pulling these teeth. Even those in their twilight years can benefit from treatment. To learn more, listen to your local Waupun dentist.

No Age Limit for Wisdom Teeth Removal

True, wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re thus often removed around that time. Still, having these teeth removed when you’re older is possible.

For starters, not every patient has wisdom tooth issues when they’re young. If someone has enough space for the teeth, a dentist may suggest leaving them alone. Instead, they may only cause problems as you age further.

Furthermore, treatment is generally safe for older patients. It shouldn’t cause you any long-term harm. Rather, the procedure is far more likely to do your body good!

How Treatment Differs for Older Patients

That said, there are minor risks to having wisdom teeth removed as an older patient. You’d do well to remember them as you proceed.

Firstly, you’ll need a longer recovery time. A younger body can heal in 1-3 days, but you may need as long as a week if you’re older. The final timeframe will depend on your oral health and the dentist’s instructions.

Similarly, there’s a chance you’ll face post-operate issues – bleeding, infection, nerve injury, etc. The roots of wisdom teeth grow closer to nerves with time, posing a challenge.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Whether you’re young or old, removing wisdom teeth has its advantages. If you undergo treatment, you can expect the following benefits:

• A Less Crowded Mouth – With wisdom teeth extracted, you’re less likely to have alignment issues that need orthodontic correction.
• Better Oral Hygiene – Wisdom teeth are difficult to brush properly and floss, increasing your risk of decay and gum infections. However, getting them removed will solve the issue.
• Improved Oral Health – If a wisdom tooth gets impacted, it can damage other teeth and lead to oral cysts. However, you can prevent or manage these conditions if the tooth is removed.
• Less Facial Pain – Left unchecked, wisdom teeth may inflame your gums and make them sensitive. Should that happen, it can be painful to enjoy the foods you want to eat.

As you can see, wisdom teeth removal is a good idea at any age. Therefore, book the procedure with your local dentist soon!

About the Practice

Dentistry of Wisconsin is based in Waupun, WI. Led by an amazing trio of dentists, our practice strives to give each patient the best dental care possible. To that end, we perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency procedures. Naturally, we also offer wisdom tooth extractions! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (920)-324-3881