As you age, your body changes, and so do your teeth. For many people, wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—cause problems in their late teens or early 20s. But what happens if you still have your wisdom teeth in your 30s or beyond? Let’s explore what to expect when it comes to wisdom tooth extractions in Saskatoon later in life.
What is a Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth is one of the last adult teeth to grow at the back of your mouth. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth, one in each corner of their mouth. This tooth generally appears between the ages of 17 and 25.
Wisdom teeth are also called third molars and were helpful for our ancestors who ate tough foods like roots and meat. However, modern diets and smaller jaws often leave little room for these teeth, leading to problems like pain, crowding, or infection. This is why many people need their wisdom teeth removed.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth in Your 30s?
Wisdom teeth can be troublemakers at any age. If they don’t fit in your mouth properly, they can cause pain, infection, and even damage to nearby teeth. Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth when:
- They are impacted, meaning they don’t fully come out.
- They are causing pain or swelling.
- They lead to infections or gum disease.
- They put pressure on your other teeth, making them crooked.
In your 30s and beyond, wisdom teeth are harder to remove because the roots are fully developed, and the jawbone is stronger making it less flexible. As a result, the surgery can be more complex and may require a longer recovery compared to younger patients.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your dentist will first use X-rays to check how your wisdom teeth are positioned. A surgical procedure takes a maximum of one hour to do. And is done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on what you’re most comfortable with as well as based on your oral condition.
During the procedure, the dentist may:
- Make a small cut in your gum to have access to the tooth.
- Remove the tooth in pieces if it’s easier.
- Stitch the area to help it heal.
Do not be worried; the dentist will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process of wisdom tooth removal.
Life After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After surgery, you can experience mild swelling and soreness in your mouth. This is quite normal and should go within a few days. Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:
- Rest: Take it easy for a couple of days. Avoid physical activities.
- Soft Foods: Consume soft foods and meals such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes and more to avoid putting pressure on your jaw.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your cheeks to minimize swelling.
- Follow Instructions: Take any medications prescribed by your dentist and rinse your mouth gently as directed.
Generally, most people usually need about a week to recover from a surgical procedure, although full healing for most will take weeks.
Wisdom Tooth Pain in 30s
Wisdom tooth pain can feel like a throbbing ache at the back of your mouth. It might get worse when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. This pain is often caused by:
- Impacted Teeth: When the wisdom teeth can’t fully emerge.
- Infections: Bacteria can collect around partially erupted teeth.
- Tooth Decay: Hard-to-reach wisdom teeth are more prone to cavities.
- Gum Problems: Swelling and redness can occur in the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth.
If you experience pain (ache), see your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could lead to more serious problems like abscesses or damage to nearby teeth.
Is It Worth It?
Removing wisdom teeth in your thirties may seem daunting, but this is a common and beneficial procedure. Most problematic wisdom teeth have to be removed in order to minimize tooth pain, prevent infections, and safeguard overall oral health.
Lakewood Dental Clinic: Caring for Your Smile
Lakewood Dental is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile at every age. Our experienced team of dentist in Saskatoon provides personalized care for all of your dental requirements from routine checkups to advanced treatments such as wisdom teeth removal. We employ modern tools and gentle techniques to make every visit comfortable and stress-free for our patients.
Call us today to schedule your appointment and keep your smile shining bright!