Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Seamless Wisdom Tooth Removal for a Healthier Smile
Mature teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 are likely to undergo the process of having one or all four of their wisdom teeth extracted. While there are some who experience no difficulties when these molars erupt, most need help to avoid painful toothaches, poor oral health, and misalignment. At SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry, we rely on our skilled dental anaesthesiologists to create a pain-free experience, while our dentists remove these unnecessary teeth with precision and ease. If you think your teenager needs to be evaluated for this procedure, call our office today.
Why Choose SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Safe Dental Sedation Administered by Dental Anaesthesiologists
- Insurance-Friendly & Multiple Flexible Payment Options
- Three Convenient & Fun Wild West-Themed Offices
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. They’re hidden underneath the gum line and will begin to erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. Everyone is different and some people don’t get them, or they erupt at different times and angles. This can lead to some individuals needing them removed and some individuals who do not need them extracted since there’s no pain or discomfort.
So, what’s the purpose of them? Historically, wisdom teeth were vital for people to chew tough foods thousands of years ago. However, since the modern diet has progressed to have softer foods that are easier to chew and digest, wisdom teeth aren’t always necessary. In fact, now, they often do more harm than good.
What are Some Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth?
The most common issues with wisdom teeth are impaction, crowding, infections, and decay. Below, we will go into further details on each individual issue.
Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth means that the teeth are unable to fully erupt from the gums due to the lack of space. This means that the teeth could be growing sideways and potentially putting stress on the adjacent teeth.
Crowding
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding or shifting of the adjacent teeth, which can lead to further issues in the future. Some of these issues could be needing orthodontics to help the teeth to become aligned again.
Infection
Infections can be caused when partially erupted wisdom teeth can create little crevices where bacteria can accumulate. This can increase the risk of infection and gum disease in the mouth if it’s not properly cared for.
Decay
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can often be difficult to clean properly if they have erupted. This can make them susceptible to tooth decay if the proper care and attention isn’t given to them.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth?
There are four main signs that you should bring your teen in for an examination to see if their wisdom teeth need to be removed:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw
- Swelling and tenderness of the gums around the wisdom teeth
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth
Our dentists will help determine which method of treatment will be best for your child’s unique situation following a thorough examination of their wisdom teeth. This can include monitoring or extraction – solutions that will be further discussed during the consultation.
Monitoring
If you or your child’s wisdom teeth are not causing any issues, they can continue being monitored by your regular general dentist or your child’s SmileTown kid’s dentist to ensure they remain healthy.
Extraction
If you or your child’s wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection or other issues, extraction may be recommended. This can be done under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia at one of our three SmileTown locations in Guelph, Cambridge, or Waterloo.
Wisdom Teeth Aftercare and Recovery Process
Once wisdom teeth are extracted, your teen may experience swelling, discomfort and minor bleeding. It’s essential that you help them follow the post-operative instructions that have been provided by our team at SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry. This will include pain management instructions and dietary restrictions to help the mouth and gums recover properly.
Most patients will recover fully within a few days, but some will take up to a week after the surgery has been completed. However, complete healing and having your mouth back to 100% normal may take a few weeks.
If your teen is experiencing any symptoms related to their wisdom teeth, please call us at (226) 407-7197 or submit a form requesting more information. We can help curate a personalized treatment plan to ease their symptoms.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
When should my child have their wisdom teeth removed?
A child’s dentist may suggest extracting wisdom teeth in the event that there are present signs of crowding, pain, infection, or an impacted tooth. Dental consultations assist in deciding on the most appropriate period for a safe extraction.
Is wisdom teeth extraction safe for children?
Indeed, wisdom teeth extraction can be safely carried out on children by an experienced oral surgeon. This can alleviate issues such as overcrowding or even impaction. However, it is important to assess your teen’s dental health and growth prior to any extraction. Parents are encouraged to raise any apprehensions they may have with the dentist, who will then offer tailored advice according to your child’s unique situation.
What kind of anaesthesia is used during wisdom teeth extraction?
Usually, during wisdom teeth extraction, three types of anaesthesia may be used: local anaesthesia, sedation anaesthesia, and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is applied only to the area to be treated, and sedation anaesthesia is used in addition to the procedure to provide a state of relaxation and possible light sleep. General anaesthesia is administered in complicated situations where the patient needs to be completely unconscious. The decision is based on the requirements of your teen and the complexity of the procedure.
How can I help my child manage pain after wisdom teeth extraction?
Once your child undergoes surgery for wisdom teeth extraction, you can help them alleviate pain by giving recommended pain medications at the indicated hours. Advise on softer meals and the intake of more fluids in order to speed up the healing process. Swelling can be reduced by using ice packs on the cheeks, also, make sure that they get enough sleep.
Does wisdom teeth extraction prevent future dental issues?
Certainly, wisdom teeth extraction can avert potential problems for a patient’s dental future. These teeth, in most cases, are found to be impacted, which causes pain, infection or overcrowding of the adjacent teeth. Their removal may also prevent the development of cavities, gum disease, and orthodontic concerns. Early removal is advisable — normally in the late teen years or early twenties – to prevent possible adverse effects occurring with their teeth and jaw development.