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Am I Too Old to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Posted on 2/15/2024 by Weo Admin
While wisdom teeth removal is typically associated with younger patients, often under twenty-five. It is not uncommon for older adults to also face issues with these molars. A dental professional will look at various factors when considering whether you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal. They will recommend either early removal to prevent potential problems or advise waiting and only suggest extraction in later years if complications arise. This variability underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups, ensuring any wisdom teeth issues are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Reasons Why Adults Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
Many adults retain their wisdom teeth, and while they might not currently face any issues, there are several reasons why removal might become necessary. These reasons can vary and include:
Pain
Older adults experience pain periodically throughout their oral dental structure. Usually, the pressure on the tooth nerves and cavity formation in the wisdom teeth can cause pain that may require removal. Once extracted, the pain usually subsides.
Infection
When the wisdom teeth erupt late or fail to erupt fully through the gum line, they may cause the development of pockets that collect bacteria, plaque, and food debris, which later cause harmful infections in the mouth. The infections can cause pain, facial and jaw swelling, bad breath, difficulties in chewing, and breathing problems.
Decay
In older people, the area around the wisdom teeth is usually the toughest to maintain good oral hygiene because of the remote location. Therefore, decay may develop around the area, leading to cavities and caries; hence, dentists recommend the removal of these wisdom teeth and also ensure that the site gets filled in with dental implants or other dentures.
Factors to Consider Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
When deciding whether to remove the wisdom teeth in older adults, dentists look out for damages surrounding the teeth, overcrowding or shifting teeth caused by the wisdom teeth, or gum diseases that may spread to other parts of the mouth. In general, each adult has differences and reasons for wisdom removal. If the decision is to proceed with the removal of wisdom teeth, dental professionals should ensure proper precision during surgery to avoid post-surgical complications.
Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370 + (623) 738-2564 + arrowheadoralsurgery.com + 2/7/2025 + Related Phrases: Dental Implants Glendale AZ +