Am I too old to have my wisdom teeth removed?

I have a wisdom tooth that is really bothering me, but I am 33 years old and am a little concerned that I might be too old to have it removed. Is there much risk of complication at my age? Also, should I just have all of them removed or just wait until they bother me?

Rory Ann- Michigan

Rory Ann,

I don’t really get too concerned about complication until someone is 40. You’re young enough still where I think you can safely do this procedure.

If your wisdom tooth is bothering you, then there really isn’t much choice but to remove it anyway. Leaving a wisdom tooth infection is extremely dangerous. It can spread to your jawbone, even your brain. You want to get it removed as soon as possible.

I like the idea of you getting all of them out at the same time.  It’s no harder on your recovery and it is safer than waiting until they bother you.  That might not happen until you are over the age of 40, when complication, including your jaw breaking are more likely.

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