Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the back of the mouth, can cause a lot of oral health complications. Therefore, many dentists recommend that they be removed. Typically, this procedure takes place when a patient is in their late teens or early 20s. But what if you are a bit older? Does that mean you are no longer eligible for wisdom tooth removal? No, it does not! In this blog post, you will learn what you should know as a more mature wisdom tooth patient.
There Is No Upper Age Limit for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Even though wisdom tooth extractions are often performed for young patients, the truth is that people of virtually all ages can undergo this procedure! Every year, many individuals in their 30s, 40s, and older undergo this procedure, and the vast majority of them have a smooth treatment experience with a positive outcome.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Even if your wisdom teeth did not cause any problems when you were younger, that may change as the years pass. The need to get them removed could arise at any time. Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate you should see an oral surgeon to get your third molars evaluated:
- Pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth
- Swelling or redness in your gums near your wisdom teeth
- Repeated infections or abscesses around your wisdom teeth
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Crowding of your other teeth
- Development of cysts or tumors near your wisdom teeth
Remember that timely treatment can prevent problems from worsening and spare you from future pain. It is important to attend regular checkups so your care team can keep an eye on your wisdom teeth and recommend removal at the first sign of trouble.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
If it is determined that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, the process will start with a consultation with your oral surgeon. During this appointment, your provider will review your medical history, examine your teeth, and take X-rays to determine the best approach. They will explain the steps of the procedure, address your concerns, and discuss anesthesia options to ensure your comfort.
The surgery itself should be pretty easy. Thanks to anesthesia and sedation, you may feel little to nothing while your team is working. Your bones are harder, and your wisdom teeth are more fully developed, than in younger patients. This can make the procedure a bit more intensive and time-consuming. However, a skilled oral surgeon should be able to easily navigate such challenges.
After the procedure, you can expect that your mouth will be sore for several days. Within two weeks or so, you should feel normal. In the meantime, you might have to eat a modified diet, get extra rest, and comply with other post-op instructions. Although you might bounce back a bit more slowly than younger patients, you can expect a smooth recovery if you carefully adhere to your surgeon’s advice.
Successful wisdom tooth removal can be performed at almost any age! Talk to a qualified care provider to learn more about this procedure.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston, Dr. Steve Koo and our other highly skilled oral surgeons provide a range of services, including wisdom tooth removal. With the aid of advanced techniques and powerful sedation, we aim to make the procedure as easy as possible. To learn more about this service, contact our office at 713-783-5560.