Wisdom Teeth: Do They Need To Be Extracted?
Wisdom Teeth: Is It Necessary For My Child To Have Them Extracted?
If you’re the parent of a teen, you may have heard stories about another child’s experience with Wisdom Tooth extraction. Other parents may be sharing their opinions on the subject, only leading you to have more questions. Here are the facts:
Why are they called wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars to erupt. The first molars usually appear around the age of 6. The second molars typically erupt in early adolescence – around 12-14 years. The third molars – wisdom teeth – will usually begin to grown in somewhere in the late teens to mid-twenties. Since this is considered to be adulthood, these molars have been termed ‘wisdom teeth’.
Is it always necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
No. These third molars, when they grow in properly, have optimal bite alignment and healthy gum tissue are very useful for chewing. However, as the human jaw has evolved and adapted over thousands of years, our mouths have become smaller. In many cases, there simply isn’t room for these third molars in the modern mouth.
Erupting wisdom teeth can grow in at an angle, even sometimes horizontally. Often, they only partially erupt from the gums. In these cases, they are considered to be impacted. Impacted teeth can cause pain, jaw issues, and even make the other teeth move out of proper alignment.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also create an entry point for bacteria to grow, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease and even an oral infection (pericoronitis) which can be very serious. These partially erupted teeth are more difficult to see and clean, making them more likely to harbor S.Mutans bacteria, which causes decay.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t erupt at all. If they don’t erupt and aren’t causing any issues, nothing needs to be done unless the situation changes. If they fail to erupt but x-rays show they are likely to cause movement of other teeth or problems with the jaw, they may still need removal. (For more information on the types of x-rays used for various purposes, click here.
When should the procedure be done?
This is decided between parents and their child’s Pediatric Dentist on an individual basis. Every child is different.
Certainly, one thing to consider is that it’s much easier on the patient to have wisdom teeth removed while he or she is still young, since the roots are not yet fully formed and the surrounding bone is softer. Earlier removal of suspect third molars will reduce the risk of roots growing near the nerve in the lower jaw, which can cause both severe pain and nerve damage.
Will my child have pain during or after the procedure?
Whether a local anesthetic or sedation is used depends on the complexity of the issue, length of the procedure, and how well your child tolerates the procedure. In some cases, an oral surgeon performs the extraction(s) under general anesthesia. In any case, your child should have little or no discomfort during the procedure.
After the wisdom tooth (or teeth) are extracted, your child may experience some mild discomfort. If the procedure was a simple extraction, Tylenol™ may be all that is needed. In cases of severe impaction, prescription pain medication may be recommended. If your child suddenly begins to have significant pain, you should call your Pediatric Dentist or Oral Surgeon immediately. (Interested in learning more about the types of sedation? Click here.
How long will it take for my child to recover?
Usually only a few days. Recovery depends on the complexity of the procedure. An ice pack may be recommended during the first 24 hours to slow any residual bleeding. Soft foods are recommended for a few days as well. After the first day, rinsing gently with warm salt water may help speed the healing.
Regular visits with your child’s Pediatric Dentist will help in monitoring tooth formation and eruption during his or her formative years, as well as assist in early detection of any potential jaw or bone issues. Making educated decisions together with your child’s Pediatric Dentist for your child results in lifelong dental health and the confidence of a beautiful smile!
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