As a child, your baby teeth slowly fell out and were replaced by permanent teeth in addition to two sets of molars. All of these teeth are in place by the time your third molars or wisdom teeth erupt during your teens or early twenties. Many people undergo wisdom teeth removal around this time because their jaw does not have enough room to accommodate these additional teeth, and they can develop complications. But if you did not have your wisdom teeth removed as a teen or young adult, is it too late for this procedure now?
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended at an Early Age?
Your dentist will begin monitoring the development and positioning of your wisdom teeth during adolescence. If they notice that these teeth are growing in at an angle, or there is not enough space for them in your jaw, they will typically recommend extraction before they can cause damage to adjacent teeth or impact your oral health.
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth removal is performed during the early stages of development:
- When wisdom teeth first emerge in your teens or early twenties, your bones are softer, and the teeth have a less complex root system. This makes extraction relatively simple and leads to a faster recovery.
- As you get older, the roots of your wisdom teeth grow deeper into your jaw, and both the roots and bone begin to harden. This holds teeth firmly in place but can also make extraction more complex and difficult.
- The deeper the roots go, they may become curved or run close to the nerves in your mouth, especially along your lower jaw.
Some people delay having their wisdom teeth removed because they are not experiencing any noticeable problems at the time the removal is recommended. However, issues such as pain, crowding, and infection can develop later in life as the wisdom teeth shift and may not be cared for as effectively as possible.
The good news is that, while wisdom teeth removal is easier when you are younger, the procedure can be performed at any age. Oral surgeons are skilled in complex oral surgery techniques and can create a plan to safely extract your third molars while keeping you as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure.
Patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond have had their wisdom teeth removed either because they were experiencing problems or wanted to prevent issues later on. An oral surgeon can let you know whether surgery is necessary and explain the risks and benefits based on your individual situation.
Undergoing Wisdom Teeth Removal at Any Age
Just because you did not have your wisdom teeth removed when you were younger does not necessarily mean that it is too late. If your teeth are causing problems, Dr. Garibyan or Dr. Kuang can advise you on whether oral surgery is recommended. At Premier Center for Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery, we keep your comfort, safety, and best interests in mind. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal and what to expect.
