Wisdom Tooth Removal and Age
It’s a common assumption that if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing discomfort, there’s no reason to take them out. However, removing wisdom teeth reduces the risk of developing severe health problems. But is it ever too late for wisdom tooth removal?
Dr. Yamen Akhras and his team of dentists can perform wisdom tooth removal for patients of all ages at their state-of-the-art Orland Park, IL, dental office. While removing wisdom teeth early in life has its advantages, the procedure can also be beneficial for older adults.
At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. For some patients, the wisdom teeth erupt without any issues. For others, wisdom teeth can cause issues if they become impacted or if a smile is already crowded.
Reasons for Early Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most patients who need their wisdom teeth extracted choose to do it as early as possible because extracting the wisdom teeth can prevent oral and overall health issues.
Early wisdom tooth extraction reduces the risk of:
- Jaw and teeth damage
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Misalignment
- Malocclusion
- Bad breath
- Periodontal disease
- Sinus problems
- Cavities
- Dental cysts
During your dental exam, our dentist will examine your wisdom teeth and determine whether they need to be extracted.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Later in Life
While most dentists prefer that you extract problematic wisdom teeth between the ages 17 and 25, wisdom teeth removal can still be performed later in life. If the wisdom tooth has become impacted or infected, it must be removed. A wisdom tooth becomes impacted when it is trapped beneath the surface of the gum or underneath the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth often grow at an angle because they don’t have adequate space to develop normally, which can cause discomfort and even damage other teeth.
Adult wisdom teeth removal is totally normal, and Dr. Akhras will provide information and instructions to help you seamlessly schedule your surgery and recovery between your other responsibilities.
Making Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery Comfortable for Patients of All Ages
Oral surgery doesn’t have to be stressful. At our location in Orland Park, IL, Dr. Akhras offers sedation dentistry for patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal surgery. Patients can choose between nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. Whether you are a teen or an adult, sedation can ease anxiety before oral surgery.
Dr. Akhras will also apply local anesthesia to numb the treatment area before beginning the procedure.
Potential Complications and Recovery at Different Ages
All surgeries are associated with risk. As your age increases, so does your risk of surgical and post-surgical complications.
Alveolar osteitis, also known as dry socket, is a complication of wisdom tooth extraction that may occur three to five days after the operation. This happens when a blood clot doesn’t develop properly or dislodges from the tooth socket. A dry socket feels like an intense toothache and may smell or taste unpleasant. If you are over the age of 30, you are more prone to develop dry socket after wisdom teeth removal than a younger patient.
As you grow older, your wisdom tooth roots will also develop further into your jawbone. The older you are, the greater the risk of nerve or sinus damage during your surgery.
Contact Our Dentist to Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
While dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth before age 25, wisdom teeth removal at an older age can still help adults reduce the risk of serious oral and overall health issues. Don’t delay. It’s time to start discussing your wisdom teeth removal options. Schedule an appointment with our Orland Park, IL, dentist by calling (708) 873-9709 or messaging us online.
