If you still have your wisdom teeth at a later age, you may wonder if you missed your opportunity to have them removed. Most people have their wisdom teeth taken out at the earliest stage of their development. However, there’s no reason that you couldn’t have your wisdom teeth extracted now. Continue reading to learn about wisdom tooth removal and its benefits at any age.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Typically Get Removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often recommended for removal due to various potential issues they can cause. These issues include:
- Impaction – When a tooth doesn’t fully emerge from the gumline, it can cause extreme discomfort.
- Misalignment – If your wisdom teeth grow in crooked, they could cause problems for neighboring teeth or cause crowding.
- Decay – Sometimes a tooth becomes so damaged by decay that the best option is to have it removed.
- Crowding – If your teeth are too close together, they may begin to shift into unfavorable positions to accommodate all your teeth.
Timing Matters, But Not That Much
The ideal age for wisdom teeth removal is typically in the late teens to early twenties when the roots are not fully formed, and the teeth are more accessible. However, age alone does not determine whether you can or should have your wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth can become problematic at any age because teeth shift throughout your life.
What Happens During Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure performed by most dentists. The process typically involves:
Anesthesia: First, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth near the extraction site.
Tooth Exposure: Next, if the wisdom tooth is impacted, your dentist will expose it by creating an incision in your gums.
Tooth Removal: The tooth is then carefully wiggled free, and any incisions that were made are sewn up or packed with gauze.
Recovery: After extracting the tooth, your dentist will give you some basic care instructions to help you recover.
Would Extraction Be Complicated by Age?
Contrary to common belief, age does not necessarily complicate wisdom tooth extraction. Modern dental technology and techniques ensure that individuals of any age can undergo successful and relatively uncomplicated wisdom tooth extraction. At most, your healing time may be a bit longer.
Age should not be a deterrent when considering wisdom tooth removal. Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or beyond, the potential benefits of extraction are still there. If you’re considering wisdom tooth extraction, talk with your dentist to discuss your concerns. They’ll be able to guide you into a more comfortable smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Stephen Walker and Dr. Sammy Houari of Texas Dental Surgery share a passion for great smiles and happy patients. Their practice utilizes state-of-the-art dental technology to provide treatment plans that are tailored to each individual. Their office is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are ready to help guide you through your dental journey one step at a time. To schedule an appointment, call (469) 296-8680 or visit the website to explore other services.