Why is wisdom teeth removal done?
There are quite a few reasons why dentists often suggest removal of wisdom teeth. The third molars are located at the back corners of your mouth on both the jaws. These teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Due to a lack of space in the jaw, these teeth grow impacted and develop improperly. When these teeth grow at an angle, it can result in crowding other teeth and develop problems like tooth decay, sinus pressure, cavities, damage to the jawbone, periodontal disease, inflamed gums, and development of cyst around the area.
Also, the asymptomatic wisdom teeth are still at risk for infection leading to other severe complications. With an x-ray, your dentist can help reveal whether or not the wisdom teeth might be problematic prematurely to your teenager.
What to expect with removal of wisdom teeth?
With a good understanding of the procedure, you can make the entire experience stress-free for both you and your teenager. To prepare for wisdom teeth removal, you must ask a lot of questions that might ease some of the concerns. Besides, introducing your teenager to your dentist before the procedure is one of the strategies which can help familiarise them with the process.
- The dentist will explain the procedure to help your teenager understand why wisdom teeth removal procedure is needed.
- Wisdom teeth extraction will be done in-office and start with administering anaesthesia around the area.
- During the wisdom teeth removal process, the dentist will make an incision in the gum line to expose the wisdom tooth and any jawbone covering it. If there is a bone that blocks access to the tooth root, it will be removed.
- The wisdom tooth will then be divided into smaller pieces and removed.
- The surgical area will then be cleaned for any debris, and the cut will be sutured.
- A piece of gauze will be placed on the extraction site for controlling bleeding.
- After the wisdom teeth removal, your body will start the healing mechanism. This means your teenager will need a lot of rest.
- The head must be kept elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and also to manage painful symptoms.
- The dentist will prescribe over the counter pain relievers to help relieve pain. A cold compress against your jaw will also help.
- With just a few aftercare tips, your teenager will be free of the surgery in only a few weeks.