If you know about wisdom tooth removal, you may associate it with younger people. That’s only natural – the procedure is often done for teens and twenty-somethings. So, you may wonder if you’re too old to receive it now. Well, you can rest your worries – there’s no age limit for having wisdom teeth pulled; pretty much any adult can receive the treatment. To learn more, here’s a primer on age’s role in wisdom tooth extraction from your Deerfield dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Removal & Age
Typically, wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Dentists thus often remove them during that age range. That said, it’s quite possible to have these teeth pulled when you’re older.
For starters, the teeth may not need removal at a younger age. A dentist may leave them alone if a patient’s mouth has room for them. Instead, the teeth could be pulled when they cause problems at a later age.
Furthermore, elderly patients can (and usually do) qualify for the removal. The procedure is safe and won’t cause any long-term harm. On the contrary, it’ll do your body a lot of good.
How Does Treatment Work for Older Patients?
Of course, getting wisdom teeth pulled as a senior has risks. You’d be wise to remember them as you proceed with care.
One such risk is a longer recovery. While a younger body can heal from the removal in 1-3 days, an older adult may need a week or more. The final time will depend on factors like oral health and whether you obey dentist instructions.
Another factor is the chance of post-surgery issues. Based on how things go, you could suffer bleeding, infection, or a nerve injury. Wisdom tooth roots grow close to nerves, so pulling the former can knick the latter.
Wisdom Tooth Removal’s Benefits
Even if you have it done in your later years, wisdom tooth removal has many perks. The most common ones include:
- A Less Crowded Mouth – Naturally, you’ll have less dental crowding with a wisdom tooth gone. You’re then less likely to have alignment issues that need orthodontic correction.
- Improved Oral Health – When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can damage other teeth and cause oral cysts. Luckily, you can avoid these outcomes by having the pearly white pulled.
- Better Oral Hygiene – You’ll have an easier time brushing and flossing with the wisdom tooth gone. From there, you’ll reduce your risk of decay and gum infections.
- Less Facial Pain – Wisdom teeth often inflame gums, leading to oral and facial sensitivity. In that case, you might find it painful to eat or speak.
Ultimately, wisdom tooth removal is a good option for patients of all ages. Try the procedure with your local dentist in the coming days.
About the Author
Dr. Mark W. Jacob is a dentist based in Deerfield, IL. Having earned his DDS from the University of Illinois’ School of Dentistry, he’s practiced professional dental care for over thirty years! His expertise thus extends to preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental work. Naturally, he and his team also offer top-quality wisdom tooth removal. Dr. Jacob currently practices at his self-titled clinic, and he’s reachable on his website and by phone at (847)-564-2180.