The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of adult molars most people will receive in their lives, and they once served the important purpose of pulverizing the coarse, raw animal and plant manner our ancient ancestors ate into a pulp that was easy to digest. However, many people today find that these teeth cause a lot of problems, and some may wonder if they are too old to have their third molars extracted. Thankfully, wisdom tooth extractions can be safely performed at any age, so here’s a quick look at why wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed and what the process can look like for older patients.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Modern jawbones are much smaller than those of ancient humans due to how developments in cooking have made food easier to chew and digest. Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, and, interestingly, people who eat coarser foods in early childhood may be more likely not to need to have them extracted. The wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties, and they can cause a host of unpleasant issues like:
- Chronic pain: The pressure the wisdom teeth put on the other molars can be quite stressful.
- Dental crowding: The wisdom teeth can force the other teeth out of alignment, which can be especially frustrating for former or current orthodontic patients.
- Hygiene difficulties: The wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, which can make them hard to clean and vulnerable to infection.
- Jaw pain: The wisdom teeth can cause teeth grinding and may put undue strain on the jaw joints. This may also lead to backaches, headaches, and neck pain.
- Infections: The wisdom teeth can create new spaces for harmful oral bacteria to colonize.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth that do not fully emerge from the gum tissue or remain embedded in the jawbone can be especially painful.
Can Older People Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
A patient can have their wisdom teeth removed at any age, but older patients may need more time to recover after the procedure since their oral structures are more solidified. The process of removing the wisdom teeth always begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that they feel no pain, and some may also receive a sedation treatment if needed. Then, your dentist will use a device called an elevator to lift each tooth from the gum tissue so they can gently work it loose with forceps.
Your dentist will be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you can enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery process. After your mouth has healed, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable life with better oral health.
About the Practice
Parker Dental & Orthodontics offers the best oral healthcare in Mobile, Hurley, Vancleave, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. Led by a team of eight general dentists and specialists, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys effective treatment in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extraction services. If your wisdom teeth are giving you persistent pain, please contact our practice online.