There are many reasons why patients may still have their wisdom teeth beyond their late teens and early twenties. Whether it’s due to financial reasons, a fear of the extraction procedure, or it just wasn’t a priority, it is not uncommon for older patients who still have them to wonder if it’s too late to remove them later in life. The short answer to this is no, it is never too late to have your wisdom teeth removed. Here’s why the procedure can still benefit you as an adult.
Why Do You Get Wisdom Teeth?
Researchers believe that wisdom teeth first appeared in the mouths of ancient man to replace worn down back molars that became damaged due to their raw diets. You see, back then they ate lots of roots, raw meats, and other tough to chew foods that took a toll on their teeth. Wisdom teeth showed up to replace the damaged ones so they could still eat, because after all they certainly didn’t have dental implants back then! What they did have, however, was a larger jaw, so problems like crowding were never an issue. Today, man’s smaller jaw size cannot comfortably accommodate them, and if left in place, they can often become problematic.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Typically Removed Early
While there is certainly no window for when you can remove your wisdom teeth, there are many reasons why dentists prefer to do it when you’re younger. These can include:
- Immediate relief from pain.
- Protection of your nearby teeth.
- Teeth are easier to remove because they have not become “set” in the jaw yet.
- Patients typically have less responsibilities and more free time at a younger age.
While all these reasons do make it easier to remove wisdom teeth earlier, it is not impossible to still have them extracted even if these factors no longer apply.
The Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
You may not be experiencing any pain from your wisdom teeth as an adult, but there are still many benefits to removing them that go beyond just comfort. For example, if yours have caused crowding, extraction could free up some room in your arch for orthodontic treatment or to make it easier to brush and floss, thereby reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
While removing your wisdom teeth is a personal choice, if your dentist is recommending extraction, or if you are experiencing any discomfort, damage, crowding, or cleaning challenges, doing so could certainly help prevent this.
To learn more about whether wisdom tooth extraction is right for you, discuss your symptoms with your dentist, and you could experience a healthier, pain-free smile!
About Our Practice
At Soliel Dental of Mesquite, Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Aldana want you to know that it’s never too late to have excellent oral health. If you are suffering from any painful or dangerous side-effects of wisdom teeth, removing them at any age can help. Our skilled dentists have countless hours of training and experience in wisdom tooth extraction and are proud to help patients of all ages find relief by removing these “extra” molars.
To schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth removal, please visit our website or call us today at 972-288-3200.