Is It Too Late for Me to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Often, the removal of wisdom teeth is a kind of rite of passage. Many people start to see theirs develop sometime in their late teens or early adulthood and have them taken out sometime around their emergence.

However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people put off their wisdom tooth extraction for quite a while, entering late adulthood without ever having dealt with them. At a certain point, they may start to wonder whether it’s too late to undergo the procedure. If that sounds like you, here’s what you should know.

Am I Too Old to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Thankfully, the answer is no. While older patients may in some circumstances face hurdles they wouldn’t otherwise, it’s still more than possible to take out a wisdom tooth if it’s bothering you, despite your age.

It’s worth nothing that patients over 50 might have lower bone density and an impaired capacity to heal, both of which can add to the complexity of the procedure. However, under the guidance of a professional dentist, you should be able to mitigate these risks.

What If I Don’t Have Wisdom Teeth?

While rare, some people go through their entire life without developing one or more of their wisdom teeth. This doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s anything wrong with you—this is often genetic. If you’re well into late adulthood and some of your wisdom teeth have yet to come in, you may not have it.

However, it could also be the case that your wisdom tooth is impacted, unable to sprout, and could cause problems down the line. For that reason, it’s important to talk to a dentist who can x-ray your mouth and find teeth under the surface.

What Happens If I Don’t Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Some very lucky people go through their entire life without their wisdom teeth bothering them. Others had teeth removed at a young age during orthodontic treatment, making room for these teeth to emerge smoothly.

However, all too often wisdom teeth push other teeth out of place, develop infections due to the difficulty of cleaning them, or become impacted. For this reason, it’s usually a good idea to have them removed if they ever start to bother you.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches loves nothing more than being able to use his unique set of skills to help his patients smile their brightest. This passion drives him to constantly expand his clinical expertise and to make his office as comfortable as possible. Dr. Gaches received his dental degree from the University of Southern California. He has also been awarded Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction earned by less than 6% of dentists.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (918) 928-2383.