Wisdom Teeth Removal After 30: What Should You Know

Many people go through a good chunk of their life hardly even knowing their wisdom teeth are there. They haven’t come through the gums (aka erupted) and are seemingly not causing any problems.

But when it comes to wisdom teeth, pain-free does not necessarily mean problem-free. Wisdom teeth can fester under the gums, causing infections and becoming impacted, and even shifting once perfectly aligned teeth. They are like sleeping giants that cause destruction when they finally merge from their slumber!

People often get their wisdom teeth removed sometime after age 14 and before they are 30 years old. Their dentist or orthodontist has recommended wisdom teeth extraction, often because there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to come through and they are on their way to becoming a problem. While having the procedure can be tough on even the healthiest person, this is a good age to get them out because it is usually still preventative at this point and the recovery might be easier.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t get your wisdom teeth extracted after the age of 30. In fact, a person is (almost) never too old to have the procedure.

For those older than 30, here are some things you should know if you are going to have your wisdom teeth removed.

Hidden problems. While the problems might not be visible or noticeable at first because wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth. But since they are difficult to reach, this means they are the perfect place for bacteria to grow and deep cavities to develop.

Semi hidden problems. Partially erupted wisdom teeth trap food and can easily get infected. Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted from the gums might come out so they are slicing up the inside of the cheek, causing trauma to the tissue. Infections and swelling can result, finally bringing the problems to a point of no return.

Don’t delay. We have seen lots of people who have been living with their pain for a long time. This only makes it worse. Sometimes the pain comes and goes, which leads people to think that it’s really not that bad, or they can handle it for a while longer. This strategy will not pay off in the end, the best way to deal with the pain is to have them removed. And one other thing – you might as well do them all at once. You don’t want to have to go through this twice.

Recovery time. Yes, there will be a time needed for recovery. Many people think they will be back up in a day or two but we have rarely seen that happen. It might take a week for the swelling to go down and the wounds to be healed enough to return to work.

Plan ahead. Wisdom teeth extraction requires planning, especially post surgery. You will likely be put under so will need a ride home. You won’t be able to eat solids for at least a few days so will need soup and juice options. You will need to be comfortable and cared for so reach out for help.

At some point or another, wisdom teeth removal will likely need to take place. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to see what your options are. And even if you’re older than 30, you are going to be ok. Just don’t delay!