The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge in the late teens or early twenties, making them the last set of teeth to erupt. Unfortunately, many people do not have room to accommodate these large molars, making it necessary for them to be extracted by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. If you left them in only for them to give you problems later on in life, it’s perfectly possible to have them removed at any age. Here’s what to expect when having your wisdom teeth extracted if you are no longer in your twenties.
What Kind of Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
If the mouth does not have enough room for them, the emerging wisdom teeth can cause problems like crowding, constant pain, infection, and alignment issues that can lead to TMJ disorders. However, there’s no reason to remove them if they aren’t giving you any of these problems, so they are often left in place for many patients.
However, the wisdom teeth being located in the back of the mouth makes them harder to brush and floss, which makes them vulnerable to infections that can spread to the other teeth or even other parts of the body where they can cause dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia. For many older people, oral hygiene becomes a more difficult task, and leaving the wisdom teeth in may involve more risk than they are worth.
What’s It Like Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed Later in Life?
Wisdom teeth extractions can be more challenging for adults past the age of fifty than they would be for people in their twenties. After the body becomes full-grown, its tissues begin to solidify, which makes extraction more stressful later in life. An older adult having their wisdom teeth removed may have a more involved procedure, take a longer time to heal, and have a greater risk of post-operative issues like infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.
The best way to prevent these issues is to practice excellent oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly, and follow strictly any post-operative instructions. You will most likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections and pain relievers to manage discomfort, and taking both of these as instructed will help your recovery period go as smoothly as possible. The discomfort should begin to subside after a few days, but if it seems to be lingering or getting worse, contact your dentist for further instructions.
Removing your wisdom teeth can be the best way to preserve your health in the long run. If your dentist recommends this procedure, you can rest assured that it will be for a good reason.
About the Author
Dr. Tom Novak earned his dental degree at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1991 and has studied many advanced dental services such as laser therapy, Six Months Smiles, dental implants, and more. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Weatherford, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom teeth extractions. To learn more about the process, contact his office online or dial (817) 594-7302.