Since wisdom teeth emerge in young adulthood, you may think they’re only “extractable” at that time. Those middle-aged or older must live with their “third molars” for the rest of their lives. However, the truth is closer to the opposite idea; you’re never too old for wisdom tooth removal. As long as your smile is healthy, you can undergo extraction at any time. Learn the details in this helpful summary from your Pasadena dentist.
Never Too Old for Wisdom Tooth Removal
People who have wisdom teeth removed are often in their teens or 20s. That said, getting an extraction when you’re older is entirely possible.
Not every wisdom tooth must be removed right away, for starters. A dentist may leave one alone if a patient’s mouth has room for it. If or when the tooth causes a problem later, it can then be removed.
The crucial point is that older folks can (and usually do) qualify for removal. After all, such people wouldn’t be harmed by wisdom tooth extraction; they’d just benefit from an effective treatment.
How Does It Work for Older Patients?
The extraction process is the same for young and old adults alike. That said, it does carry some risks for older patients.
One such risk is a longer recovery process. While younger bodies heal from tooth removal in one to three days, older adults may need a week or more. The exact timing will depend on the patient’s oral health, whether you obey dentist instructions and similar factors.
Older patients also face a higher chance of post-surgery issues. Depending on how the extraction itself goes, you may suffer from bleeding, an infection, or a nerve injury. There’s always a chance the removal would knick a nerve close to your wisdom tooth.
Why Get Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Even if it’s done late in life, wisdom tooth removal has many benefits. These include:
- A Less Crowded Mouth– Once your wisdom teeth are gone, you’ll have less crowding in your mouth.
- Easier Oral Care – If you get a wisdom tooth removed, you’ll have an easier time brushing and flossing later.
- A Healthier Smile – An impacted wisdom tooth can harm other teeth and cause oral cysts, so having it removed is often best.
- Fewer Aches – Left to themselves, wisdom teeth can cause your gums to get inflamed and suffer pain. Even eating or speaking could cause aches if that happens.
You’re never too old for wisdom tooth removal, so don’t delay. Get treatment and enjoy the perks of a late-life extraction!
About the Practice
Magic Touch Dental is based in Pasadena, TX. Led by Dr. Sarfraz Verjee, our practice (per its name) wants your smile to feel touched as if by magic. We embody that goal by offering top-tier preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments suited to your mouth’s needs! Whether you see us for a checkup or to get wisdom teeth removed, our team will do the job well. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (713)-943-9993.