You probably heard about people getting their wisdom teeth removed. Are you contemplating removing yours too? Are you anxious about the entire removal process? Before you decide, it is important you know about wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as molars, are found at the very back of your mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they erupt when an individual has reached an age of becoming an adult. 

Not everyone gets wisdom teeth and to some that do, it doesn’t present any problem at all. However, if your mouth is not large enough to give room or space for your wisdom teeth, it can create serious problems – especially if your wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt. This is the main reason why some people are considering wisdom tooth removal. Even when your wisdom tooth erupts normally, they can be very difficult to care for because they are located at the very back. They are less accessible to toothbrushes, flossing, and cleaning making them susceptible to decay.

If the wisdom teeth do not fully erupt, it can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Or it can have issues with an existing tooth which can cause misalignment. These are just some of the reasons why wisdom tooth removal is necessary. However, some people may not be too open about wisdom tooth removal because they think their age is way past the extraction process. 

How old is too old?

Some people are asking “Am I too old to have my wisdom teeth extracted”? There is no required age to undergo wisdom tooth removal. You are never too old to have your wisdom tooth removed. You can have it removed no matter what age you are. Remember, people have different time phases so everyone’s teeth are different so your friend may have her wisdom tooth removed at age 20 while you may have it way past 30. 

However, when you are older, it might be more painful to undergo wisdom tooth extraction because the roots have completely formed making the process harder and more painful. 

Are there any complications at all? 

You can have your wisdom tooth removed regardless of your age but it is important that you don’t delay it. Just like any surgery, there are certain risks and complications which increase as you age such as:

• More time to recover. Because the roots have fully formed, the surgery can be a bit more complicated and painful. It can also require a longer period of time for recovery. As you age, your healing process slows down so older patients may take more time to recover from wisdom tooth surgery.
• Risk of nerve damage. The roots of older people tend to grow downwards, making their way to the nerve. This nerve controls the feeling on your lower lip. During the extraction process, there is always a risk of damaging the nerve near the roots. 

Whether you are 20 or 30 or 30, if your wisdom tooth makes you uncomfortable or poses a threat to your dental health, have it removed immediately.