Although wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, many young patients and their parents have concerns about it. This article answers some frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth removal.
The following are some typical wisdom tooth removal questions and answers. Reviewing this information with teenaged patients may be helpful.
Wisdom teeth are the third and final pair of molars and usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 if there is adequate room in the mouth for them to erupt. While wisdom teeth can erupt correctly aligned and healthy, they are more likely to get impacted or grow in just partly. The danger of infection is significant in these cases; thus, removal is suggested.
Before seeing any indication of tooth eruption, the adolescent may suffer moderate discomfort or soreness. This discomfort may last a few weeks or even months as the tooth develops inside the jaw. Pain is typically mild or non-existent in most persons who have enough space on the jaw for their wisdom teeth to erupt. Pain generally only occurs when there is an infection.
Most people do not have enough room in their jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. Each person is unique; however, wisdom teeth may need to be removed if a dentist notices signs of oral changes like impaction, gum disease, infection, pain, damage to nearby teeth, tooth decay, tumors, or cysts. The dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction as part of the teen's teeth straightening treatment or other dental treatments.
Wisdom teeth are often removed when most patients are between the ages of 16 and 22. The optimal time to remove wisdom teeth is when they are approximately half or a quarter of their potential full size. When a tooth is extracted too early, it might be difficult for the oral surgeon to grip the growing tooth. On the other hand, a full-sized wisdom tooth poses a greater danger of root fracture or nerve injury.
After having their wisdom teeth removed, the teen may suffer mild bleeding for many hours. However, when done correctly, bleeding is reduced and may be managed with sutures (or stitches) and specific dressings.
After wisdom tooth surgery, most people recover in three to four days. If the teeth are impacted, it may take longer. Patients in their twenties tend to heal more quickly than those in their 40s and 50s.
The oral and facial surgeon will provide an anesthetic to the adolescent and create an incision in the gum tissue to reveal the tooth and bone during wisdom tooth removal. The tooth will be extracted, the area will be cleaned, and the incision will be stitched to facilitate recovery. Finally, the surgeon applies gauze to the incision to aid in the formation of a blood clot.
If you have additional questions about wisdom tooth extraction, contact our dental office to book an appointment with an oral and facial surgeon.
Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office.
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