Wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure for patients in their teens and 20s. Removing the teeth in this age range is generally fairly easy because their roots have not yet fully developed, and young people tend to bounce back quickly from the removal surgery. But what if you are a bit older? Does that mean it is too late to get your wisdom teeth removed? No, not at all. In fact, this service can be successfully performed on adults of virtually all ages.
Why Consider Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Perhaps when you were younger, your dentist determined that your wisdom teeth were not a significant threat to your oral health. Therefore, you decided to keep them. That was likely the best decision at the time, but the human body can change as the years pass. Teeth that were once harmless may eventually start to cause problems.
You may want to consider visiting your dentist to talk about your wisdom teeth if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth: You may notice persistent or occasional pain near your molars, which can signal that your wisdom teeth are pressing against other teeth or are impacted.
- Swollen or tender gums: If your gums around the wisdom teeth become swollen, red, or tender to the touch, it may indicate infection or irritation caused by partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing: Wisdom teeth that are not properly aligned can make it harder for you to open your mouth fully or chew without discomfort.
- Jaw stiffness or soreness: You may experience stiffness or soreness in your jaw, particularly in the morning or after eating, as wisdom teeth can put extra pressure on your jaw joints.
- Frequent headaches or earaches: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes radiate pain to your head or ears, resulting in headaches or earaches.
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste: If your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, food and bacteria can become trapped, leading to persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Shifting or crowding of nearby teeth: You might notice your other teeth beginning to shift or feel more crowded as wisdom teeth push against them.
What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal as a Mature Adult
If you are considering wisdom teeth removal later in life, your experience may differ from that of younger people in a few important ways:
- As an adult, your body may take more time to recover, and you might experience more swelling or discomfort in the days following surgery.
- The roots of your wisdom teeth are likely fully developed, which can make extraction slightly more complex. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use specialized techniques to remove the teeth and minimize risk.
- You may have preexisting dental work or health conditions. Your provider will review your medical history and tailor the treatment plan to suit your needs.
Do not let age deter you from seeking necessary treatment! Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, you can enjoy successful wisdom teeth removal!
Meet the Practice
At All Dental, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality care for patients of virtually all ages. We often perform wisdom teeth removal for both young people and those with more life experience. We strive to do so as gently as possible, and we even offer sedation to make the treatment easier. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Westborough office at 508-217-7265.