Has your teen’s dentist or orthodontist recommended wisdom tooth removal? Even though they are not a problem now, there is a good chance they will be later. Preventative removal can save your teen from significant dental problems later in life!
Why Consider Preventative Removal?
Wisdom teeth typically develop in the mid-to-late teen years, as the growth of the jaws is nearing completion. As humans’ diets have changed, our jaws have gotten smaller over time and the majority of us simply don’t have room for a third set of molars. When there isn’t adequate space for the teeth, they come in at odd angles and often get trapped beneath the gumline entirely. This can lead to various problems including difficulties with hygiene, damage to the adjacent teeth, decay, gum disease, cysts, and serious infection.
Why earlier tends to be easier
Younger roots seen in early to mid-teens aren’t fully formed yet, which typically makes for a more predictable procedure, reduces complications, and leads to a smoother recovery. The most significant procedural risks can either be greatly reduced or even eliminated by removing the teeth prior to complete root development. It’s no secret that younger people heal more predictably than older people. Preventative care when younger can eliminate difficult, higher risk procedures as an adult.
Why an oral surgeon?
- Wisdom Tooth Removal often involves working deep in the jawbone, close to vital structures including important nerves, and with teeth that may be encased in bone. Impacted wisdom tooth removal requires a thorough understanding of pertinent surgical anatomy. Oral surgeons complete years of additional surgical and medical hospital-based training beyond dental school, which makes us well equipped to manage any wisdom tooth extraction. That level of training matters. By choosing an oral surgeon, you can be confident that your doctor has the training and experience to handle your loved one’s surgery and any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
Planning around real life
With the school year underway, many families start looking at breaks from school as a natural window, since it gives recovery a few uninterrupted days without competing against midterms, finals, or winter sports schedules. The procedure itself is typically outpatient and over in less than an hour. Recovery is mostly about the first few days: rest, soft foods, and following some simple aftercare. After the first few days, resuming light activity is acceptable and most teens return to normal activity within about a week. Ideally, wisdom teeth should be removed before they cause significant issues or symptoms. Planning ahead for a time that best suits your busy schedule to allow for adequate rest and recovery can help prevent unexpected (and inconvenient) problems from arising.
What if you’re an adult?
If you’re past your teens and early 20s and your wisdom teeth are becoming a problem, don’t wait until they damage neighboring teeth, become painful, or get infected. Advancing age and medical conditions can make surgery and recovery more complicated or involved. When your problematic teeth are managed by an Oral Surgeon, you can be confident that you are in competent hands. Oral surgeons have the skill, experience, and knowledge to handle even the most complex patients and can help guide you through the process from start to finish.
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