If you’ve made your way to this blog, you likely fit into one of two categories. Perhaps you have heard about wisdom teeth and want to learn a little more – or you’re experiencing some tooth sensitivity and want to determine if those pesky wisdom teeth are at the root of the problem. While it’s easy to notice the transition between our baby teeth falling out and adult teeth arriving, wisdom teeth can often have a hidden timeline of their own. Afterall, they are tucked away as your last (back) four teeth completing the set of 32.
Wisdom teeth are supposed to make their grand appearance between the ages of 17 to 21, however, one thing to note here is that everyone is different. While some people may experience the pain associated with wisdom teeth as a teen, others may never feel them at all. Ultimately, you don’t have to be bothered by your wisdom teeth for a dentist to recommend an extraction.
So if you’re asking yourself, “am I too old to have my wisdom teeth extracted?”… The simple answer is, no! Let us explain below.
Am I Too Old To Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
As we mentioned, it’s never too late to have your wisdom teeth taken out of the equation. While you can have your wisdom teeth extracted at any age, it’s always best to have them removed sooner rather than later!
With a growing number of adolescents and teens going into orthodontics (such as braces or Invisalign), having the wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon prior is typically the first step. Why? Well, wisdom teeth have a habit of shifting or damaging your other teeth to make room for themselves. So, if you have already undergone orthodontic care – there is still a likelihood of your teeth shifting down the line. Keep in mind, even if you have not had orthodontics in the past, you are still at risk for a shift in your smile once the wisdom teeth decide it’s time to join the party.
What Happens If I Wait To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It can be easy to put your wisdom teeth extraction on the backburner, especially if they are not causing any pain or affecting your smile. One thing to keep in mind however, is that there are a few risks when it comes to waiting.
Wisdom teeth have the ability to cause swollen or bleeding gums, constant bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth, as well as damage to your surrounding teeth. Therefore, the sooner you have them removed, the sooner you eliminate this risk. Not to mention, wisdom teeth also have a possibility of becoming impacted, which happens when they don’t have an adequate amount of room to erupt properly. When this happens, sensitivity can occur, making it even more important to remedy the situation before your other teeth become affected too.
If you are concerned about the health of your smile, particularly regarding one or more wisdom teeth, be sure to give your dentist a call for a comprehensive consultation. The sooner x-rays are taken and your concerns are addressed, the sooner you can begin feeling better and avoid potential problems in the future!