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There are several reasons why extracting wisdom teeth becomes necessary. These third molars usually make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25, though not everyone develops them. For some others, the wisdom teeth emerge the same way other teeth did, causing no problems.
But these extra four teeth may be unwelcome due to space limitations. They sometimes arrive impacted, unable to erupt through the gums fully or partially. Wisdom teeth may be on an angle or even at 90 degrees to the other teeth.
When wisdom teeth are a problem, or when the likelihood of a future problem is high, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend their removal. Since your child may still be in high school, this might be the first time they’ve undergone a major medical procedure.
Preparing them for this new experience starts with choosing our team at Brooklyn City Dental in Greenpoint, New York, to handle the extraction.
We recommend that you help your teen understand the reasons for the procedure as well as what to expect during and after their surgery to ease the process. This is our advice for helping your child prepare.
Wisdom tooth surgery is a common procedure, so there’s no mystery to the process. The questions that come to your child’s mind when they learn they’re having the procedure are also common and predictable. When you’re prepared with the answers, you’ll reassure them with your knowledge.
Even though the teen years are a time when teens explore their coming independence, most children still look to their parents in the face of uncertainty or fear. Let’s look at the questions your child is likely to ask, as well as the answers.
The anesthetics and sedation we use depend on the condition of the wisdom teeth. Some procedures use the same process as for fillings, while wisdom teeth that are impacted may also require nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, or intravenous sedation.
It’s possible your child will be asleep or dozing throughout the procedure. They’ll probably feel soreness when the anesthetic wears off, but we recommend pain management medications.
The time to extract wisdom teeth depends on individual circumstances. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, with 45 minutes being a rough average. There will also be time for preparation and recovery from sedation after surgery.
They’ll take it easy the day of surgery, and it could take a few days to return to feeling normal, but there’s no medical reason why they can’t return to school and other activities the next day. If there’s a reason for longer recovery, we’ll inform you.
Each wisdom tooth extraction is unique to the patient, so it’s a good idea to prepare your child for some variance for their experience. Stress the importance of following their dentist’s instructions for aftercare, since it will shorten recovery time and help them avoid complications that might drag out the process.
Your teen will have a chance to hear all of this information again when they have a consultation session with their caregiver at Brooklyn City Dental.
Call our office in Brooklyn, New York’s Greenpoint section at 718-557-9771 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment. Wisdom tooth extraction is another rite of passage, and you can help make it easier. Schedule your visit today.
