Wisdom teeth extraction is a very common procedure. In fact, nearly 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States every year. Most of the people who have this surgery done are between the ages of 17 and 25. But what if you’re older than that? Can you still have your wisdom teeth removed? And why might an extraction be needed in the first place? Here’s what mature patients with wisdom teeth need to know.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Often Have to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth erupt later than the other teeth, which means there often isn’t enough room for them in the mouth. Consequently, they may become partially or completely impacted under the gums, leading to all sorts of problems. Common issues associated with impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Significant pain
- A swollen or tender jaw
- Damage to the other teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- An increased risk of infection
If any of these symptoms occur, it’s best to have wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible.
Can Older Patients Still Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Simply put, the answer is yes! There’s no such thing as being too old for wisdom teeth extraction. The roots of the wisdom teeth tend to become more firmly embedded in the jaw the longer you wait; as such, the extraction procedure may be more complex for more mature patients, but it’s still completely possible.
Why Might You Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction Later in Life?
Unextracted wisdom teeth can lead to serious health issues later on. In particular, their location can make them difficult to brush and floss, putting you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. And if a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will be even more vulnerable to oral health complications.
While wisdom teeth don’t always have to be removed, your oral surgeon may recommend an extraction if they’ve started to cause problems in your mouth.
What Can You Expect When Having Wisdom Teeth Removed as a Mature Patient?
When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction for older patients, the main difference is the length of the recovery time. Younger patients typically only need to rest for about one to three days after the surgery. For those past a certain age range, however, it can take as long as a full week to recover.
While your mouth is healing from having wisdom teeth removed, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort; over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can usually help. You should plan on eating only soft foods for a while, as harder foods might dislodge the blood clot protecting the surgical site, which can delay healing.
Even if you’ve kept your wisdom teeth for years, you might still benefit from having them removed. If you notice any changes in your mouth that might point to problems with your wisdom teeth, get in touch with your oral surgeon right away.
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our experts are proud to put their cumulative skills and years of experience to good use bringing Jupiter patients the high-level care their smiles deserve. We offer comfortable wisdom teeth extraction for patients of all ages. If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, you can schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons by visiting our website or calling (561) 743-8311.