Am I Too Old to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
We know that typically you get your wisdom teeth removed in your teens and early 20’s. Wisdom teeth can cause complications like impaction or the crowding of your mouth. There are times where a dentist will recommend waiting to remove them if they’re not causing any immediate issues as the extraction is painful. Sometimes, this leads to unforeseen problems years or even decades later. If you’re currently experiencing painful symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, it’s not too late to get them removed.
It’s preferable to get your wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later just to avoid any issues in the future. Your dentist will likely try to remove your wisdom teeth as early as possible since the roots of your wisdom teeth haven’t had time to fully form, making them easier to remove in general. This makes the surgery less complicated and often has a shorter recovery time.
While it’s better to get your wisdom teeth removed before you’re 25, there are situations where your dentist may have wanted to wait for a particular reason. If that happens, know that it can still be done later in life. Older adults may be experiencing impacted or infected wisdom teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth happens when there isn’t sufficient space for the tooth to break through the gums. It typically is painful and is difficult to keep clean, often leading to infections. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, your wisdom teeth may be impacted:
- Consistent bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Jaw pain
- Jaw swelling
- Red or swollen gums
If left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth could also lead to the development of a dental cyst which can be extremely painful. Dental cysts put you at an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health issues.
If you think your wisdom teeth are beginning to impact the rest of your mouth, it’s time to get them taken out. You’re never too old to get your wisdom teeth removed! To learn more about our process or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (469) 264-8921!
