Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
While the third molars, or wisdom teeth, typically erupt between ages 17 and 25, later emergence is a possibility. This means a wisdom tooth can grow at age 27, though it is less common and warrants careful observation from a dental professional.
While most wisdom teeth extractions occur in young adults, the procedure can be a major concern for older patients. A key question that arises for this population is: **Is wisdom teeth removal more painful as you get older?**
While most wisdom teeth are removed in young adulthood, a 2024 study in *Decisions in Dentistry* highlighted that patients aged 70 to 79 are among the most likely to undergo tooth extractions due to various dental issues. So, should a 70 year old have wisdom teeth removed? The decision requires a careful balance of the potential benefits against the increased risks associated with age.
According to the CDC, over 60% of adults 65 or older have some form of periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. This highlights why do old people get their teeth removed, as chronic oral health issues build up over a lifetime, often necessitating extractions to manage pain, infection, or to prepare for dental prosthetics.
Even with a lifetime of proper oral hygiene, teeth can shift as you age. So, the answer to "Can wisdom teeth move in 40s?" is yes, though their movement is often correlated with other natural oral changes rather than being the primary cause of alignment issues.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, orthognathic surgery to correct misaligned jaws has a success rate of nearly 94%, proving that it is indeed possible to realign the jaw. The right treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, depends on the severity of the misalignment and its underlying cause. A dental professional can determine the best course of action to improve jaw function and overall oral health.
