Wisdom Tooth Removal in Older Adults: What You Need to Know
Key takeaway: Generally speaking, a patient is never too old for wisdom tooth extraction. However, there are risks for older adults or elderly patients to consider when removing teeth.
While getting your wisdom teeth out is often considered a rite of passage for teens and young adults, wisdom teeth extraction can happen at any age. In fact, wisdom tooth removal in older adults is relatively common, especially if the teeth are causing other problems.
While you’re never too old to have your wisdom teeth extracted, waiting until later in adulthood often brings a higher risk of complications. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have them removed, however—it’s just more reason to trust your care to a skilled oral surgeon.
In this post, we explore all of the reasons to remove wisdom teeth later in life, as well as the potential risks associated with their removal—and how the team at Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ can help to make the experience better, safer, and more comfortable at any age.
Why Would an Older Adult Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
While wisdom teeth are often removed in younger patients as a preventative measure, the recommendation to remove an older adult’s wisdom teeth often comes after problems have presented themselves.
As we age, dental health becomes more complex—and wisdom teeth can become an unexpected issue. For many older adults, wisdom teeth may not have caused problems in youth but begin to create complications decades later. Whether it’s due to gum disease, shifting teeth, or pain, the decision to remove them later in life is often a necessary one.
Common reasons for wisdom tooth removal in older adults include:
- Impaction, in which the teeth partially erupt or not at all
- Gum disease and inflammation around the wisdom teeth
- Infection of the teeth and gums
- Decay in the wisdom teeth
- Pressure and/or damage to the surrounding teeth
- Development of cysts under the teeth
These problems don’t always develop overnight. In many cases, they build gradually and become more painful or difficult to manage over time. Even if you’ve never had issues with your wisdom teeth before, age-related changes in the jawbone, gum tissue, or bite alignment can cause them to become problematic well into adulthood.
Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth as an Older Adult
Wisdom teeth are especially vulnerable to the problems noted above, which is why removal is such a common recommendation—even in older adults. While they were necessary to process ancient diets, human jaws have evolved over time. Now, a lack of space means that wisdom teeth often push into other teeth, causing overcrowding and pressure throughout the mouth as well.
As the third set of molars, their location at the back of the mouth makes wisdom teeth difficult to clean properly at any stage of life. This lack of hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, infection, and cysts under the tooth.
An impacted wisdom tooth brings another set of problems. Impaction means that the tooth either remains under the surface or, when partially impacted, has begun to grow through, but not all the way.
Left untreated, the issues caused by problematic wisdom teeth can go beyond the mouth. Oral infections may spread, increasing inflammation in the body and even raising the risk of complications for those with heart conditions or diabetes. Chronic inflammation in the mouth has also been linked to higher risks of stroke and other systemic diseases—making oral health a critical component of overall wellness, especially in later years.
Completely removing the wisdom teeth is often the most effective way to address infection, jaw damage, sinus pain, and other serious health concerns. Even when the teeth are not immediately causing issues, a skilled dentist or oral surgeon may recommend their removal to prevent these problems from appearing down the road.
Am I Too Old for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?No—you’re never too old to benefit from wisdom tooth extraction. While it’s true that the procedure is often simpler at a younger age, many adults well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond safely and successfully have their wisdom teeth removed every day. Here’s why earlier removal is often recommended:
However, that doesn’t mean it’s too late if you’re older. Wisdom teeth can cause significant issues at any age—such as infection, damage to neighboring teeth, bone loss, or cysts. In fact, many older adults choose extraction after experiencing chronic pain or repeated dental problems related to these teeth. While the procedure may be slightly more complex with age, it’s still very manageable in experienced hands. At Bergen Oral Surgery in NJ, our board-certified oral surgeons specialize in complex extractions for patients of all ages. We use advanced imaging, precise surgical techniques, and personalized care to minimize risks and support a smooth recovery—regardless of your age. If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or concern, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our team to understand your options and take a proactive step toward better oral health. |
Schedule a consultation. Call or text 201-477-2667.
Risks and Considerations for Tooth Extractions in Elderly Patients
The danger of tooth extraction in elderly patients can be high. Below, you’ll find some of the elevated concerns and considerations associated with wisdom teeth removal in seniors and elderly patients, and how we can minimize those risks with thoughtful care.
Bone Density and Healing Time
As we age, bone becomes more rigid. That makes removal of the tooth more difficult and can also delay healing. At Bergen Oral Surgery, we use advanced imaging and precision techniques to minimize these complications.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Many of the common medical concerns that older adults experience, such as diabetes and heart conditions, can elevate the risks of any surgical procedure. Certain medications, including blood thinners, can also make surgery more difficult.
To ensure that our patients receive the best care possible, it is critical that seniors who are considering wisdom teeth removal disclose their full medical history during consultation. The Bergen Oral Surgery team can also coordinate care with your primary physician as needed to ensure comprehensive care.
Anesthesia Options for Senior Citizens and Older Patients
Sedation is a key part of wisdom teeth extraction, as it helps to ensure that patients remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The sedation options for wisdom teeth removal at Bergen Oral Surgery include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas), IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Choosing the right sedation type depends on the patient’s health, comfort level, medical history, and more. Our team of NJ oral surgeons is highly skilled in recommending and administering sedation for older adults and senior citizens, and always prioritizes safety and comfort.
Is Recovery Harder for Elderly Adults?
It’s no secret that teens and young adults heal and recover more quickly, whether it’s from surgery or a cold. However, we offer tips for what to expect after wisdom teeth surgery that are designed to ensure safe, steady recovery, no matter the patient’s age.
Wisdom teeth removal recovery typically lasts between a few days and a few weeks. Patients can expect initial pain and swelling right after surgery, which lessens as the extraction sites heal. You will likely be prescribed a painkiller as well as antibiotics to manage or ward off any infection. The use of ice packs, saltwater rinses, and careful attention to what—and how—you eat and drink can also help to ease your recovery.
For elderly patients, healing can take longer due to slower cell regeneration and reduced blood flow to the gums and jaw. These challenges can be managed with the right plan. Bergen Oral Surgery provides clear written instructions, personalized care recommendations, and a team that’s always available to answer post-op questions or concerns.
Choosing the Right Oral Surgeon Makes All the Difference
Ensuring a smooth wisdom tooth extraction experience starts with choosing the right oral surgeon. Trusted by dentists and patients for more than 70 years, the Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team’s advanced training, access to a variety of sedation options, and experience with complicated, high-risk tooth extractions allow us to provide the best care possible.
Every patient is unique, and we approach each case with care. Whether you’re seeking preventative care or dealing with a painful, impacted tooth, we’ll guide you through the process with clear communication and tailored treatment. Extractions can be performed at any of our four locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood—plus, with hospital privileges in New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help wherever you are.
Even more, we care about our patients, prioritizing their comfort and well-being from consultation to aftercare. After a difficult wisdom tooth extraction, an older patient at our Franklin Oaks location wrote a review that not only praised their surgeon, but the entire staff, noting that they were “friendly, professional and helped reduce my anxiety and stress.” This is the experience we aim to provide at all four of our Bergen County locations, with a combined 2,000+ Google reviews and an average of 4.9 stars.
If you or a loved one is experiencing issues with wisdom teeth—or simply want a second opinion about wisdom tooth removal in older adults—schedule a consultation with Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ today. Call or text us at 201-477-2667 or request an appointment online.
