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Wisdom teeth removal may be associated with dental patients in their teens and early 20s due to lack of formed tooth roots; however, the procedure is an option at any age. If you’re over 60 and your wisdom teeth have erupted, there are numerous reasons to get them removed. While adults with fully formed tooth roots can experience postoperative complications such as nerve damage and longer recovery times, the benefits typically outweigh potential risks. Talk to your oral surgeon about your candidacy to manage — if not eliminate — numerous dental care issues.

When Should Seniors Consider Wisdom Tooth Removal?

1. Gum Disease Symptoms

Erupted wisdom teeth crowd the other teeth in the mouth, making brushing and flossing difficult. This increases the risk of gingivitis and gum disease symptoms, including red and bleeding gums, swollen gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and denture positioning issues. There is also a link between gum and heart disease, as both are characterized by chronic inflammation. Older patients preparing for open heart surgery often schedule wisdom teeth removal first to prevent gum disease infections from entering the bloodstream.

2. Mouth or Jaw Swelling & Pain

Gum inflammation and infections from wisdom teeth eruptions irritate the surrounding nerves, resulting in mouth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and chewing discomfort. Patients may also experience mouth or jawbone swelling. This swelling can be due to an abscess, cyst, or, in rare cases, a tumor. However, wisdom teeth removal will get rid of the infected tissue to eliminate pain and promote optimal oral health.

3. Continued Problems With Cavities

Since wisdom teeth create regular tooth misalignments and therefore cleaning difficulties, it can cause tooth decay in addition to gum disease. Wisdom teeth that erupt on angles increase this risk because they lay over other teeth, creating breeding grounds for bacteria. And since older persons can have mobility issues that make teeth brushing and flossing even more challenging, wisdom teeth removal provides a way to alleviate some of these difficulties, thus reducing the risk of cavities and decay.

 

If you believe wisdom teeth removal is right for your oral health, discuss your needs with Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. The board-certified oral surgeons at this Anchorage-based center provide many oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and jaw surgery. Call (907) 561-1430 today to schedule a consultation or visit the surgeons online for procedure information. Connect on Facebook for professional dental care tips.

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