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Am I too old for wisdom tooth extraction?

Smiling old man ready for his wisdom teeth to be extracted

Generally speaking, a patient is never too old for wisdom tooth extraction. However, there are advantages to having your wisdom teeth removed at a younger age.

Three reasons why early extraction is better

  1. During your late teens and early twenties, the roots of your wisdom teeth have not yet had time to fully form. Extracting molars before they are completely anchored into your jawbone is an easier procedure.
  2. Younger patients typically recover faster from all types of surgical procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction.
  3. Younger patients will typically experience less postop discomfort as the procedure tends to be simpler compared to older patients.

When do older adults require wisdom tooth extraction?

Impaction or infection are the two most common reasons why older adults may need to have their wisdom teeth removed. An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that gets stuck beneath the gum line and cannot fully emerge due to a lack of space in the jaw.

While most patients’ wisdom teeth will attempt to erupt before the age of 25, it is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to remain in the jaw for years before attempting to erupt.

Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean

Older adults who had enough space in their mouth to fit a full set of third molars and chose to forego preventative extraction may experience challenges with their wisdom teeth over time. Located at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be difficult to keep clean. This makes wisdom teeth susceptible to cavities, decay and gum disease.

Discuss concerns with your oral surgeon

Don’t let age stop you from getting the oral health care you deserve. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed but are worried about your age, be sure to discuss your concerns with your oral surgeon prior to surgery. Your doctor will cover any additional risks or precautions related to your personal case.

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