Is 28 too old to have wisdom teeth removed?

Is 28 too old to have wisdom teeth removed?
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!

It’s true most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their early to mid-20s — it’s just easier that way. But what if you still have your wisdom teeth? Is it too late to have them extracted?

Absolutely not! The truth is you’re never too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. While we recommend having them removed earlier, there can be great benefits to the surgery if you’ve never done it before — no matter how old you are.

Yes, as you age, your roots of your wisdom teeth are more deeply imbedded and formed, so it can be more painful to have your wisdom teeth removed later in life. There can also be more complications.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Usually Removed

Pain isn’t the only reason to have your wisdom teeth removed. A wisdom tooth extraction doctor will typically recommend removal for a number of reasons. These include swollen or bleeding gums. Damage to other teeth — especially second molars. Some people have difficulty opening their mouth with wisdom teeth, which can lead to chewing problems.

Are Your Wisdom Teeth Causing You Problems?

There are some lucky individuals who never have to have their wisdom teeth removed. Their mouths are big enough wisdom teeth don’t crowd the rest of their teeth. But even if you don’t notice these problems early on, you can develop them later in life. Some people put off the procedure only to find discomfort as they get older. But no matter your age, we can extract your wisdom teeth. And yes, wisdom teeth removal is covered by most dental insurance plans.

If you’re 35, still have your wisdom teeth roots and they aren’t causing you problems — congratulations, you’ve won the lucky wisdom teeth lottery ticket. Some older patients do develop cavities in these teeth as they age since the teeth are located far back in the mouth and difficult to clean. In the case of severe tooth decay, we may consider removing your wisdom teeth.

What You Can Expect as a Mature Patient

There are some associated risks to having your wisdom teeth removed as an older patient. First, you’ll need a longer recovery time. Some older patients may need as long as a week to fully recover from the treatment, rather than the typical 1 to 3 days.

You do face some risk of nerve damage and may lose some degree of feeling in your lower lip. As you age, the roots of your wisdom teeth may grow closer to that nerve, which can cause minor problems.

Why Most People Should Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

For starters, most people don’t have room for wisdom teeth. And even if you do have room, these teeth can be difficult to clean since they are so far back in your mouth. You don’t really need them so there is little benefit to keeping them in.

Some put off the procedure due to financial issues or they don’t have dental insurance. (This is why it’s a good idea to have your wisdom teeth removed while you are still covered by your parents’ dental insurance.) Perhaps you are in better financial circumstances or find yourself with an insurance plan that covers wisdom teeth removal? Then maybe you should consider it. You really are never too old.

Talk to Your Dentist About Wisdom Teeth Removal

To really know if wisdom teeth removal is for you, talk to your dentist. He or she can do a full assessment to determine if wisdom teeth are causing you problems. They can also help determine what increased risks you face if you are having wisdom teeth removed at an older age. Your dentist will probably recommend a wisdom teeth removal specialist, though you are free to use anyone you wish.

Is 28 too late for wisdom teeth removal?

You're never too old to have a wisdom tooth extraction if this tooth is causing oral health problems or concerns as it causes for so many people. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction when you're no longer in your 20s and take care of your oral health the right way.

Is 30 too old to have wisdom teeth removed?

Although wisdom teeth are typically removed before the age of 30, it's probably not too late to get them taken out later in life, especially if they are causing problems. As with any surgery, the older we get the longer it takes our body to heal and recover. Wisdom teeth removal is no different.

When is it too late to remove wisdom teeth?

While it is best to take care of wisdom teeth as soon as possible during their development, they can still be removed when you are in your 40s or 50s. The disadvantages of waiting this long are that the teeth will be more strongly implanted into your jawbone, and the surgery may take longer.

Can I get my wisdom teeth removed at 29?

Wisdom teeth removal is best performed on teenage and young adult patients before the wisdom teeth have had time to grow full-sized roots and before the jaw bone becomes too dense. Adults over 30 who have their wisdom teeth removed may experience a longer recovery period, but can still benefit from this procedure.