Many people get their wisdom teeth removed when they are in their late teens or early 20s. Doing so can prevent future problems, and it is generally easier for young people to bounce back from oral surgery. But what if you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or older? Are you too old to get your wisdom teeth removed? No, you are not. This blog post explores what you can expect from this procedure as a mature adult.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal Later in Life
Most dentists try not to perform any procedures unless the benefits far outweigh any potential downside. When you were younger, your wisdom teeth may have been unproblematic, so your dentist decided there was no harm in leaving them alone.
However, even wisdom teeth that do not cause issues in young people can lead to trouble later on. For example:
- You might find it difficult to clean around your wisdom teeth, which can increase the risk of cavities and infections.
- A cyst or tumor may develop around one of your wisdom teeth.
- Your teeth may shift, which can make it even more difficult to keep your wisdom teeth in good condition.
If you have been experiencing pain or other unusual symptoms near your wisdom teeth, you should certainly get them checked out.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
In many ways, wisdom tooth removal for mature adults is similar to what younger patients experience. Your dental team will make you as comfortable as possible for your procedure, perhaps with both local anesthesia and sedation. Depending on whether your teeth are impacted (stuck beneath your gumline), it might be necessary to create incisions in your gums or break the teeth into pieces.
Because the bones of older individuals tend to lose their density with time, your procedure might be a bit more delicate than it would be for a younger person.
Also, keep in mind that older patients tend to heal a bit more slowly than younger folks, so it might be up to a week or two before the soft tissue at your extraction sites feels normal. Your dental team will provide instructions to help you cope with post-op discomfort and minimize your risk of complications.
Successful wisdom tooth removal is possible at virtually any age! Talk to your dentist if you believe you could benefit from this procedure.
Meet the Practice
At Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut, we welcome patients of virtually all ages. We are able to handle most wisdom tooth extractions right here in our office, and we strive to make the procedure as easy as possible. To learn more about this treatment and what it involves, contact our friendly team at 860-288-5786.