Can You Ever Be Too Old to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people get their wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 16 and 26. This is the time when they’re most likely to erupt and cause problems. But some people wait years — even decades — before they decide to have their wisdom teeth removed. 

Can you ever be too old for this procedure?

Wisdom tooth removal isn’t something everyone needs. But those who do often experience discomfort or a serious threat to their oral health as a result of erupted or impacted wisdom teeth. 

Whatever your case, discuss it with your provider to determine which option is best for your situation. 

At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we offer wisdom tooth removal at almost any age, depending on the needs of the patient. Our founder, Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, and the rest of our team, discuss your specific needs to determine what’s best for your oral health and recovery. 

Why wisdom teeth are removed at an early age

Wisdom teeth are so-named because they usually erupt around the time you’re entering adulthood. As such, they denote a change in your place in the life cycle, a more wizened state than that of adolescence. 

Of course, the presence of one or more wisdom teeth (or lack thereof) has nothing to do with actual intelligence or maturity level. 

When your wisdom teeth erupt, it means that they are pushing through the gum tissue. Sometimes, all four do so, while in other cases, only one or two will. The eruption, though, can often lead to impacted wisdom teeth. 

Impaction means the teeth aren’t able to erupt cleanly. Sometimes, they get caught under another tooth or may just not have the room to fully erupt. Also, they might erupt too far back to easily clean. 

If any of these issues happen to you, you’re likely to experience a buildup of plaque and possible infection, both of which can cause uncomfortable symptoms. 

Problems with removing wisdom teeth later in life 

In general, younger people are more likely to bounce back from a procedure like this, which can be difficult but usually doesn’t cause severe side effects. And because wisdom teeth often cause problems, even if they don’t seem to at first, many doctors recommend removing them earlier rather than later. 

After you turn 30, removing your wisdom teeth becomes more complicated. Your recovery will be longer and you’ll have a higher chance of infection post-procedure. Also, as you age, your tooth roots continue to grow, and your teeth might shift to accommodate the new molars. This can make it harder for us to perform the surgery and for you to recover from it.

Removing wisdom teeth later in life: Can it be done?

You’re probably wondering if having your wisdom teeth removed is even possible as you continue to age. It’s not so much about your age, but your circumstances. 

Some people are healthy enough and would see enough benefit from the procedure that they’re better off having their wisdom teeth extracted, even if they’re in their 30s or older. 

How old is too old? It’s specific to you. You may be healthy enough and in need of relief, so the risk of additional complications is worth the benefits of wisdom tooth removal. Discuss the pros and cons with our team to determine the best course of action for you. 

I’m over 30. Can I have my wisdom teeth removed? 

In many cases, it’s safe to remove the wisdom teeth of a person aged 30 or older. But depending on your oral and overall health, you may not be a candidate for later-in-life wisdom tooth removal. See our team to discuss your situation.

To make an appointment at our Campbell, California, office, call or request a time through our online system. We can’t wait to see your smile!