While most parents had their wisdom teeth removed when they were younger, their children growing up and needing the same procedure can feel like a surprise. Young adults generally need wisdom tooth extraction starting at age 17, so if your child is approaching that milestone, you should consult with a dentist. Here's a refresher course of questions you might have about wisdom teeth and when they should be addressed.

What Parents Should Know About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

What are wisdom teeth?

People have three molars on each side of their upper and lower jaw. The last molars, also called the third molars, are their wisdom teeth. While the first two molars develop early, wisdom teeth come in later, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While most people have four wisdom teeth, it’s possible to have more, fewer, or none at all.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If they grow in healthy, they might be able to stay in your child’s mouth for the rest of their lives. However, most wisdom teeth grow in with complications and need to be removed. 

They are often impacted, which means that there’s not enough room in your mouth for them to grow. In this case, crowding occurs, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and cysts because it's more difficult to floss or brush the teeth when they're too close together. If your teen's wisdom teeth are impacted, it’s important to have them removed for their overall oral health.

Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt? 

Most patients are given a local anesthetic during the tooth extraction, while others are put under general anesthesia, so your teen or young adult will experience minimal discomfort. After the procedure, your dentist will give you tips to manage your child’s pain. 

They’ll often recommend icing their jaw and administering over-the-counter pain medication. Make sure they take any medications as recommended by the dentist. 

What should they expect during recovery?

Right after the tooth extraction, your child will be asked to follow a series of steps to keep their mouth healthy. They may be asked to gargle with salt water or another solution a few times a day. There might be swelling or bleeding, but these symptoms should subside in a few days. Brushing their teeth is generally OK as long as they’re careful. They can get back to regular activities as soon as they feel up to it, usually within five days.

With the right dental care, your teen or young adult will be back at school or work in no time. Elm Dental Care provides wisdom tooth extractions and a variety of dental services to patients throughout the Saint Charles and New Town, MO, area. Their friendly staff works to create a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere that will reduce any anxiety family members feel about going to the dentist. Visit them online or call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an appointment for you or your child today.