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When Can Wisdom Teeth Grow After Age 30?

As dental professionals, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Can wisdom teeth grow after age 30?” The answer is sometimes.

The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, typically begin erupting between the ages of 17 and 20. This process can be long and painful and is usually complete before 30. Although wisdom teeth growth past age 30 is extremely uncommon, on rare occasions, a person over 30 years old may experience wisdom teeth coming in.

Problems With Wisdom Teeth After 30

Because wisdom teeth usually erupt at an earlier age, most people have their wisdom teeth removed between 14 and 30 years old. Some people never have their wisdom teeth removed, and if they aren’t painful and don’t seem to be causing problems then there’s no need to worry. After the age of 30, however, concerns over wisdom teeth, whether erupted or still hidden, may arise. Being aware of these potential problems when wisdom teeth grow in later in life can help know when to seek treatment:

  • Breeding ground for bacteria – when wisdom teeth remain hidden and unerupted at the back of the mouth, they can provide a perfect place for bacteria to gather and can lead to painful, deep cavities. The back of the mouth is harder to reach for brushing and flossing, causing these cavities to fester if left untreated.
  • Tissue trauma – partially erupted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful. In addition to the pain coming from swollen and torn up tissue, these partially erupted wisdom teeth can become easily infected due to trapped food and the difficulty of cleaning them.
  • Enduring pain – often people live with wisdom tooth pain for extended periods of time, assuming it will eventually go away on its own. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Wisdom teeth removal can relieve pain and allow for a happy, healthy mouth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal After 30

Although wisdom teeth are typically removed before the age of 30, it’s probably not too late to get them taken out later in life, especially if they are causing problems. As with any surgery, the older we get the longer it takes our body to heal and recover. Wisdom teeth removal is no different. You may need to plan extra time for recovery, since it may take upwards of a week to start feeling back to normal after having your wisdom teeth removed. And since you’re going through all the effort to have a wisdom tooth removed, it’s best to get them all out at once so you don’t have to go through the process again later in life.

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here to Help

Wisdom teeth grow at different times for everyone and can be removed anytime. Over the age of 30 and worried because you never had your wisdom teeth removed? Let us help put your mind at ease. The board certified oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah can take a look and let you know whether they need to be removed or not. Schedule your free consultation today! We have offices in Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan and Tooele, Utah.

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