Many people get their wisdom teeth removed when they are in their late teens or early 20s. This timely intervention can prevent oral health complications, and young people tend to bounce back from the procedure pretty easily. But what if you are already a mature adult? Perhaps you never had your wisdom teeth removed, and now they are starting to cause discomfort. Are you too old to get them removed? No, you are not! This blog post explains what you should know about undergoing this procedure as an experienced adult.
No Upper Age Limit for Wisdom Tooth Removal
While wisdom tooth removal is most common among young patients, the reality is that there is no upper age limit for this procedure. Dentists and oral surgeons can help patients of all ages achieve a healthier smile by removing problematic wisdom teeth, and mature adults can benefit just as much as younger individuals. Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even older, successful removal of your wisdom teeth is very much a possibility.
Reasons to Consider Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Perhaps you did not get your wisdom teeth removed when you were younger because your dentist determined they were not a large threat to your oral health. However, that might have changed. You should get them evaluated if:
- You are experiencing pain or swelling in the back of your mouth caused by impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- You repeatedly get infections or notice gum inflammation in the area around your wisdom teeth.
- There is crowding or shifting of surrounding teeth, which could affect your bite or the appearance of your smile.
- It is difficult for you to properly clean your wisdom teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts or other oral health concerns have developed because of your wisdom teeth.
What to Expect from the Procedure
As an adult, your experience with wisdom tooth removal may differ slightly from that of a younger person. While the surgery itself should be pretty easy due to sedation and anesthesia, healing can take a bit longer, so you need to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care as closely as possible. You can expect your care team to provide guidance tailored specifically to your needs.
Even as a somewhat older patient, you can still expect to be fairly well-healed within just a couple of weeks. If you experience any ongoing symptoms, get in touch with your care provider’s team.
No matter your age, it is never too late to invest in your oral health! If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss a treatment plan.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy is proud to be home of four highly accomplished oral surgeons. For example, Dr. Steve Koo is board-certified and was voted as a Texas Super Dentist and Top Dentist in the Houston Monthly and Houstonia magazines in 2015. To learn more about Dr. Koo and the rest of our team, or to request an appointment to get your wisdom teeth evaluated, contact our office at 832-353-1100.