Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important Things to Know?

(Last Updated On: October 15, 2023)

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important Things to Know? The final four adult teeth are wisdom teeth (or third molars).

They usually erupt between 17 and 24 years of age. They are located at the back of your mouth. They also come in on both the top and bottom.

However, wisdom teeth can form in the mouth as early as age 8. It is possible to have them removed earlier. It may be better to have wisdom teeth removed.

It is done by a child’s orthodontist before they become fully formed.

One interesting fact about wisdom is that wisdom teeth are no longer necessary to maintain proper dentition.

They are biological remains of an earlier time in human history. These were remains when people ate far more unprocessed grain than today.

It is believed that 10-25 percent of North Americans do not have at least one wisdom tooth. This percentage can be as high as 45 percent in some native populations.

Wisdom Teeth: What Every Parent Needs to Know

You want your children to be healthy and happy when they get their first tooth. Surprisingly many parents don’t know much about wisdom teeth.

They don’t know when they should be extracted. Bowmansville Dental wants all of our patients to be able to make informed decisions for their families. Here are the essential facts about wisdom teeth.

Read more: Jaws of Growth: Understanding and Treating Shark Teeth in Pediatric Dentistry

Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed from All Parts?

Your teen may not need to have their wisdom teeth extracted. This occurs if there is enough room in their jaws for them to fit in.

Many adult patients have wisdom teeth removed because of extensive decay. Molars can be challenging to clean because of their position at the rear of the mouth.

As we know, the deep ridges required for grinding food molars can be challenging to clean.

This situation is made worse by misalignment or crowding. This is why elective wisdom teeth removal has become quite common.

Many parents believe that removing wisdom teeth is a good idea if they aren’t needed for chewing.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removing is Important

Wisdom tooth impaction is a common problem in teenagers. When your child’s jaws fully develop, a wisdom tooth (or the third molar) will erupt.

This usually occurs between the ages of 16-17. Because they are approximately 15 years old, you should be cautious.

They can avoid pain and discomfort caused by wisdom teeth eruptions by having regular checkups.

These teeth are usually removed, so the jaw has no room. The mouth is not able to accommodate four new teeth.

This is when the pressure from these teeth builds up on the gums, adjacent teeth, and entire jaw. This is when your child will feel the pain.

They will have to manage the pain and discomfort. Wisdom teeth will disrupt their daily life and food habits.

This is when to take them to a Charlotte, NC, dentist for wisdom teeth removal.

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL – WHY SOONER IS BEST

It’s crucial to remove wisdom teeth as soon as your dentist tells you. Waiting allows the roots of the teeth to grow more slowly.

It creates a stronger connection with the jawbone. This makes it more painful and difficult to extract the tooth. It also increases the risk of complications and reduces the recovery time.

It is possible to have severe complications if wisdom teeth are left in place for too long. Suppose they are partially or fully impacted.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important things to Know?

Parents should also know that wisdom tooth removal is a routine procedure. It is also a painless procedure.

Minor complications like dry sockets or infections are infrequent. Your teen or young adult will return to normal if they follow your oral surgeon’s instructions.

Reasons due why wisdom teeth removal is necessary

There are so many problems due to which you have to remove wisdom teeth

Wisdom can be extracted for a variety of reasons. Here are two of the most common reasons wisdom might need to be extracted:

Fully Impacted Wisdom Tooth:

A fully impacted wisdom tooth means your child’s entire tooth has been covered in the gum tissue. This will stop the wisdom tooth from properly erupting.

The wisdom teeth must be extracted to prevent infection, bacteria, and debris.

According to this dependable dentist in Greenville, an impacted tooth is more prone to infection and can damage healthy teeth.

Partially Impaired Wisdom Teeth:

A partially impacted wisdom tooth means that the tooth has been partially covered by gum tissue.

Gum disease and infections are common in teeth at the back of your mouth. Also, partially impacted teeth must be extracted.

There are many reasons your child might need a wisdom tooth removal.

Gum disease and periodontitis.

  • Tumors and cysts.
  • Severe tooth decay.
  • Wisdom teeth pain.
  • Chronic infections.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important things to Know?

Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry can help you to get an appointment. Or if your child has concerns about their wisdom teeth.

The Dover, New Hampshire, dentist for children is dedicated to your child’s dental health.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Teens Can Expect

Wisdom teeth may be visible on dental X-rays when you are in your twenties. This third set of molars may push against your back gums, and you might feel them.

Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain, gum disease, and cavities. It’s often because of:

  1. They’re impacted. Wisdom teeth are positioned so far back. They can become trapped in your jawbone and gums. This can cause severe pain.
  2. They may be inserted at an incorrect angle. They might press against your other teeth.
  3. Your mouth is not big enough. Your jaw doesn’t have enough room to accommodate additional molars.
  4. Gum disease or cavities can cause you to have difficulty eating. Your toothbrush and dental floss may not reach your wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important things to Know?

They often visit an oral surgeon who performs the procedure in their office.

Instruction for surgery

Wisdom teeth are usually removed quickly and easily. The healing process should take only a few days. Your mouth should heal quickly, and you can return to work or school the next day.

General:

You will either receive drugs through a vein or inhale the gas through a mask.

The entire procedure will be performed in your sleep, and you may fall asleep for up to an hour afterward. The surgeon may need to remove your teeth or cut your gums.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important things to Know?

They will use a few stitches to close the wound in this case. They will dissolve in a few days. To absorb some blood, they may place gauze pads inside your mouth.

Before Surgery

To discuss the procedure, you will meet with an oral surgeon. To discuss the procedure, you can bring your parent or another caregiver.

This time can be used to Talk about any health issues you may have.

Ask questions.

  • Anesthesia is a type of Anesthesia that makes you feel numb for surgery.
  • During Surgery, it takes about 45minutes
  • Your doctor will use types of anesthesia to ensure you feel nothing
  • during surgery.

Local:

Your doctor may numb your mouth by injecting a small amount of lidocaine into

  • your gums. You can also inhale laughing gas or nitrous oxide. It makes you relax
  • during surgery. After surgery, you should feel alert again.
  • IV
  • Sedation: Your doctor will inject drugs through your arm into your vein to make
  • you sleepy. It is possible to fall asleep the entire time.

After Surgery

You must take time off work, camp, and school for surgery. The remaining

part of the day is a blur. Some teens can drive themselves to the surgery.

Your parents will need to drive if you are under general anesthesia.

Most people feel little or no pain afterward. Although it may take some time for your body to return to its normal state, you can still go to school, camp, and work the next day.

Your doctor will give you instructions as soon as you leave the office. These tips will assist you in healing quickly, reducing swelling, and fighting infection.

Dos:

Ice packs can be used on the face for swelling and skin color changes within the first 24-36hrs

after surgery.

After your surgery, apply moist heat to your jaw for a painful bite.

To exercise your jaw, open and close your mouth gently.

Soft foods such as soup, pasta, and rice are good options.

Get plenty of fluids.

Start brushing your teeth on the second day. Do not brush any blood clots.

To ease your pain and swelling, take the prescribed medication from your doctor. If you feel unwell, call your doctor.

Don’t drink through a straw. You may lose blood clots, which can help your mouth heal.

Rinse your mouth gently. Your doctor may advise you to rinse gently with salt water. But wait until after surgery.

Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could cause a scratch on your wounds.

Don’t smoke. Smoking can slow your healing process and increase your chances of developing dry sockets.

After the wisdom teeth removal, how to help your child

Your child has just had their wisdom teeth removed. Now it is time to start the journey toward recovery.

The process doesn’t take as long as you might think if your child takes good care of their mouth so that it goes as smoothly as possible.

Ensure your child continues biting the tea bag or gauze until the bleeding stops. You can reduce swelling by placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area.

After ten minutes, remove the towel and place it for five minutes. Your child should be able to get enough rest during the first 24 hours.

Avoid any extraneous activities. To reduce pain, make sure your child takes the prescribed medication.

Your child should be able to rinse their mouth after 12 hours. Do not brush around the areas that have been removed.

If you eat right, you will heal quicker after wisdom teeth removal. Start your child with a soft diet, such as soups or oatmeal. Also, make sure to include lots of high-protein liquids.

Avoid hot liquids, as they can cause swelling. When the child is ready to eat solid food, you can cut small pieces to make it easier to chew.

Avoid chewing around the area where wisdom teeth are removed. The mouth will heal within a few weeks if taken care of properly.

If you have questions about the healing process, please call Van Dyke General & Implant Dentistry.

Wisdom Teeth Recovering Care at Home Your child must use an ice pack for the 36 hours following Charlotte’s oral surgery. Keep the ice packs close at hand for your child.

Warm salt is required to rinse your mouth. Give them that. They will need to bite the gauze pad after the surgery. This will aid in the development of the blood clot in their socket.

You must ensure that the blood clot does not become dislodged. Drink lots of fluids for them, including juices, smoothies, and milkshakes.

Do not let them drink through straws, as it can cause blood clots to form in the socket.

Your child must take both pain medication as well as antibiotics.

After the wisdom teeth removal, any infection risk will be minimized by taking antibiotics. It is crucial to complete the course.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important things to Know?
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Important Things to Know?

FAQs

How long does it take for wisdom teeth to be removed?

Recovery from surgery to remove your wisdom tooth or teeth can take up to 2 weeks. You may experience swelling in your cheeks and mouth for a few days. This will resolve over time.

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

Wisdom tooth extraction is painful. During the procedure, you should not feel any discomfort or pain. The extraction site will feel tender for a few days after the procedure. However, with some rest and recovery, it should return to normal in 7 days.

What are the dos and don’ts following wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom Tooth Extract Aftercare: Dos & Don’ts

  1. Relax for the next few days.
  2. You should elevate your head. This will reduce swelling.
  3. Apply an ice pack for 24-48 hours after the extraction.
  4. Keep it clean.

Are wisdom teeth removals considered major surgery?

Wisdom tooth extraction is performed outpatient but is still considered major surgery. General anesthesia (or local anesthesia) will be used during the procedure to make it more comfortable. However, you can still expect discomfort and pain after it wears off.

What should I do after wisdom teeth removal?

Depending on your recovery, you may need to rest on your back for three to seven nights. You should not sleep on your stomach or side as it can cause swelling and pressure. Gravity will also draw more blood to the affected area.

What can I eat once my wisdom teeth are removed?

These are some great foods to enjoy after wisdom tooth removal:

  • Smoothies.
  • Soups and broths
  • Greek yogurt.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Scrambled eggs
  • apple puree.
  • Bananas.
  • Banana ice cream.