Did you know that approximately 50 million people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed before they turn 25. In rare cases, some people aren’t even aware that their wisdom teeth have come in yet.
Should you be in a similar situation, it may be time to start thinking about your next dental appointment. The best part is that you’re never too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. It can be done at any time and any age. However, it’s best to have them removed as soon as possible to avoid possible complications and damage to other teeth.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
It’s a common belief that just because your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you any pain, there’s no reason to take them out. While it’s true some people never need to remove their wisdom teeth, most patients will need to have wisdom teeth extraction at some point in time, according to the Amercian Dental Association.
Here is a list of a few problems wisdom teeth can cause:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Other teeth can be damaged as wisdom teeth can push against your second molars
Is it too late if I’m past my twenties?
As mentioned before, you’re never too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. If you didn’t get your wisdom teeth removed as a young adult, chances are that you’ll have to get them out later on. It’s best to keep in mind that everyone’s teeth are different, so whenever you do get them out, it won’t be at the same time as a friend or a relative. However, as you age, the roots within your mouth begin to take full form, which will make the extraction process unnecessarily painful.
Are there any complications the longer I wait?
Just like with any other surgery, there are risks. Unfortunately, the more you age, the higher the risk of complications.
These complications can include:
- Increased recovery time – Should any of your wisdom teeth be impacted, the surgery can become a lot more complicated.
- Nerve damage – When a person gets older, the roots will start to grow downward towards the nerve. The nerve is what controls the feeling in the lower lip. Should the roots be near the nerve, the extraction can risk injury to it.
You’ll never be too old for anything and getting your wisdom teeth extracted is no exception. With that said, contact Metro Dental Health and discuss whether the procedure is right for you!
