Impacted wisdom teeth present a significantly higher risk of complications for middle age and elderly patients than those within the 15 to 25 age bracket. This is because existing medical conditions and lowered healing ability are common in the former. Aside from that, the risk of nerve damage and jaw fracture is also significantly greater.
Most elderly patients with impacted wisdom teeth are the victims of their own neglect. Yet there are some who claim they didn't worry about it because their dentists told them they shouldn't have any problems with their wisdom teeth. However, given that there's always a possibility for teeth to move and gums to recede over time, a number of elderly people could still develop problems with their wisdom teeth.
Since it's harder to address wisdom teeth problems in elder patients, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend that wisdom teeth be removed by age 25 to limit the complications and risks associated with the surgery. Furthermore, after the age of 25, asymptomatic wisdom teeth which are completely covered by bone and have complete root development should be monitored for problems that would necessitate removal.
Add to that, patients over 35 should have their wisdom teeth monitored annually via a panoramic radiograph and periodental probing. The dentist must then refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if symptoms or complications were to develop.
Most elderly patients with impacted wisdom teeth are the victims of their own neglect. Yet there are some who claim they didn't worry about it because their dentists told them they shouldn't have any problems with their wisdom teeth. However, given that there's always a possibility for teeth to move and gums to recede over time, a number of elderly people could still develop problems with their wisdom teeth.
Since it's harder to address wisdom teeth problems in elder patients, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend that wisdom teeth be removed by age 25 to limit the complications and risks associated with the surgery. Furthermore, after the age of 25, asymptomatic wisdom teeth which are completely covered by bone and have complete root development should be monitored for problems that would necessitate removal.
Add to that, patients over 35 should have their wisdom teeth monitored annually via a panoramic radiograph and periodental probing. The dentist must then refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if symptoms or complications were to develop.
