If your child is in their mid-teens, it’s a good idea to have their wisdom teeth evaluated by an oral surgeon to determine if they need to be removed. In general, it’s easier to do this process when they’re younger.
Note that while dentists can remove wisdom teeth, oral surgeons perform the procedure every day. The added experience of an oral surgeon can make the recovery process easier for your child.
If you’re in the [city] area, give us a call at [phone] to book a consultation for your child. One of our board-certified oral surgeons would be happy to meet with you and your child to determine if their wisdom teeth need to be removed.
To find out more about wisdom teeth and why we typically remove them, check out our FAQs below.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. They come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the “Age of Wisdom.”
When the wisdom teeth begin to descend, they can become encased in tissue, causing pain, swelling, and infection. Wisdom teeth that make it through gum and bone without getting stuck often emerge into a mouth that doesn’t have room for them, crowding existing teeth and impacting the look, feel, and function of your smile. Because crowded teeth are harder to clean, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease also increases.
When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, approximately mid-teens, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age, 25+, becomes more complicated as the roots have fully developed (and may involve the nerve), and the jawbone is denser.
Why Should your Child Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed if They’re not Having Problems or Pain?
Even if your child is not experiencing any problems or pain currently, there’s still a good reason to have them removed. Wisdom teeth that come in normally may still be prone to disease, according to a study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation. AAOMS strongly recommends that third molars be evaluated by an OMS by the time a patient is a young adult.
What Happens During Surgery to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Before surgery, your oral surgeon will discuss the procedure with you and tell you what to expect. This is a good time to ask questions. Also, talk to your surgeon about any concerns you have. Be sure to let your doctor know about any illness you have and medications you are taking.
There are several conditions that affect how easy it will be to remove a wisdom tooth. These conditions include how the tooth is positioned and the stage of root development. If the wisdom teeth are impacted, the surgery might be more complicated.
Most of the time third molars can be removed with little or no pain. Patients are given either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the anesthetic option that is right for you.
What Happens After Surgery
Following surgery, the patient may experience some swelling and mild discomfort, both of which are part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses may help decrease the swelling, and medication prescribed by your Oral Surgeon can help manage the discomfort.
What Is An Impacted Tooth?
When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is said to be “impacted.” In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room. Nine out of ten people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
What questions should you ask your oral surgeon to ensure that your child is getting the best care?
We encourage patients to ask the questions below to ensure they get the highest level of care:
- Is the surgeon board certified?
- Is the surgeon seeing the patient for a pre-surgical visit and H & P before the day of surgery?
- Does the patient have 24-hour access to the surgeon for post-operative care?
- Does the surgeon have hospital privileges?
- How often is the surgeon’s staff trained for emergency situations?
Book a Consultation for Your Child
To learn more about having your child’s wisdom teeth removed – the process, costs, and timeframe – give us a call to book a consultation at [phone]. You can also email us with questions at [email].