You’re in your 30s and you still have your wisdom teeth. Should you worry about them?
If they aren’t causing you any grief after all these years, keep your mouth shut: Dentists often recommend that teens and young adults have their wisdom teeth pulled as a preventive measure, since these molars may begin pushing against other teeth and lead to pain, chronic irritation, gum disease, and even bone loss, says Robert Glickman, D.M.D., chairman of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at NYU College of Dentistry.
Two reasons for having the procedure done when you’re younger are that the risk of injury is lower and recovery tiime is quicker. But the story changes if you’re over 25.
Adults are at higher risk of infection or nerve damage, says Men’s Health dental advisor Mark S. Wolff, D.D.S., Ph.D. The healing process may not be as simple either: While teenagers spend only a day or two convalescing with a steady supply of milkshakes, adults may need a week or longer to feel better.
In other words, time’s passage changes wisdom teeth extraction from a procedure that may help you avoid unneccessary suffering to one that practicaly invites it.
And we haven’t even mentioned the bill: Dental insurance plans may cover only half the cost of the procedure (which can be upwards of $1,000) or none at all if you’re not experiencing pain or other problems.
Now, if your jaw does begin to hurt, see your dentist for a whole-mouth X-ray called a Panorex. It’s a fast and easy way to find out if you need to go under the knife, and most dental plans cover it.
