The wisdom teeth once provided the additional chewing power our primitive ancestors needed to digest raw meat and tough plant matter. However, many people today will find that their mouths are too small to accommodate these large third molars, which can lead to chronic discomfort, oral hygiene difficulties, and destructive infections. Luckily, adults can safely have these teeth removed at any age. Here’s what wisdom tooth extraction is like for older adults as well as a few tips for staying comfortable afterward.
Why Would an Older Adult Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
While many people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early twenties, this will not be necessary in some cases. However, the wisdom teeth can still cause problems later in life even if they had enough room when they started to emerge. These third molars can be quite difficult to brush and floss due to their locations in the mouth, making a person more vulnerable to oral infections such as gum disease. In other cases, the wisdom teeth can cause the rest of the teeth to shift out of alignment.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Like?
The first step to receiving wisdom tooth extraction is having a consultation with your dentist so they can evaluate your mouth and determine if the procedure is right for you. If you are cleared for the procedure, the process will begin with your dentist administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, and you may also receive a sedation treatment if you need any extra help sitting still.
Your dentist will then use a device called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket before grabbing it with forceps and gently working it loose from its connective tissue. In the case of a surgical extraction, incisions may be necessary to remove the tooth. Once the molar has been removed, your dentist may stitch the wound shut to protect it from injury.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Like for Older Adults?
While wisdom tooth extraction can bring many benefits to an older adult, the process may be slightly different than it would be for a younger patient. A few differences may include:
- Since bone density decreases with age, the extraction process may be more involved for older adults.
- Older patients can expect to experience longer recovery times
- Older patients have higher risks of post-operative issues like bleeding, nerve injury, and infection
The best way to keep yourself comfortable after wisdom tooth extraction is to strictly follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions. These will probably include sticking to a soft diet, practicing excellent oral hygiene, and refraining from spitting or drinking through a straw. Complying with your dentist’s directions can set you up for a speedy and complication-free recovery.
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett earned her dental degree at the University of Michigan and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She is proud to hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Dallas offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as extraction services. If your third molars are giving you trouble, contact her office online or dial (469) 874-0469.