FAQs for Your Child’s Wisdom Tooth Removal in Frisco, TX
WHEN TO TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? | WHEN IS IT NOT NECESSARY TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH? | HOW BAD IS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? | DO YOU NEED A FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? | HOW IS A WISDOM TOOTH TAKEN OUT OF A CHILD? | WHAT FOODS CAN YOU EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? | WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RECOVER FROM WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? | HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE A WISDOM TOOTH?
How old do you have to be to get wisdom teeth?
Most of us get three sets of molars during our lifetime, and the first set arrives around the age of six. The second set of molars come in at about age 12. Every patient is different, but most of us develop our third molars, also known as our wisdom teeth, during our late teens or early twenties. Since third molars appear when we become wiser and as we transition into adulthood, they are called wisdom teeth.
What is the reason for removing wisdom teeth?
Our mouths were designed to comfortably hold 28 teeth, and by the time our wisdom teeth start to come in, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for an additional four wisdom teeth to erupt properly. As a result, 90% of us have at least one impacted wisdom tooth that requires extraction. (An impacted tooth is one that gets stuck in our gums and can’t fully erupt.) Another reason wisdom teeth may need to be removed is because even if they come in properly positioned and there is plenty of space, they are still highly susceptible to infection and are at risk of developing cysts and tumors. When left intact, wisdom teeth need to be closely monitored for life.
When to Talk to Your Dentist About Wisdom Teeth Removal?
There are a variety of signs that indicate your child’s wisdom teeth are coming in. Wisdom teeth are usually removed before they erupt, so it’s wise to look for the signs before they wreaked havoc in their mouth. X-rays are the best method to determine the status of their wisdom teeth, but other indicators include sore or swollen gums, bad breath, headaches or jaw pain, and the accidental biting of their cheek or tongue. If their wisdom teeth have pushed their way in and slowly misaligned their other teeth without their noticing, it’s common to midjudge their new location. If they notice any of these signs and suspect their wisdom teeth have arrived, talk to your dentist about a recommendation for the top oral surgeon in Frisco, TX.
Another reason to ask your dentist about wisdom teeth removal is if your teen has recently gotten their braces off. Erupting wisdom teeth can misalign perfectly straightened teeth that are fresh out of braces which could wind up wasting the time and money spent on orthodontics. Best to speak with your dentist or orthodontist and get a referral to an oral surgeon as soon as the braces are removed.
When is it not necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
There are those very rare instances when patients don’t need to have their wisdom teeth extracted. We have seen patients whose wisdom teeth appear to fit comfortably in their mouths, so they don’t need them removed. But these wisdom teeth are still susceptible to disease and must be carefully watched over the course of your lifetime.
How bad is wisdom teeth removal?
Not bad at all! We administered sedation, so your child won’t remember or feel a thing. The hardest part is the recovery, but if you stay on top of the icing (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) and pain medications, the swelling and pain will be kept to a minimum. We will present you with aftercare instructions, so you should be very clear on what to do and not do. The key is to follow them closely and not rush the healing. Have your child rest for the remainder of the day after surgery. Rest and relaxation speed up the recovery more than anything else.
Do you need a follow up appointment after wisdom teeth removal?
You do not need to schedule a follow-up appointment unless you run into a problem. Call us to come in if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood or pus
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Swelling that worsens rather than improves
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A bad taste in your mouth that can’t be rinsed out
- Severe pain
How is a wisdom tooth taken out of a child?
During the procedure, once your child is sufficiently anesthetized, we make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. We remove any bone that is blocking access to the tooth root and begin breaking down the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it. When we’ve finished removing the tooth, we clean the surgical site and stitch the wound closed if needed. Finally, we place a piece of gauze over the extraction site to begin the process of forming a blot clot.
What foods can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Have your teen begin with liquids, so they don’t dislodge the clot that needs to develop over the wound. Slowly, as they are comfortable, introduce soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, soups, and ice cream. Cooler foods are often more soothing. Your child should drink lots of fluids but avoid caffeinated and hot beverages. And do not let them use a straw. The sucking pressure can dislodge the clot that is covering the wound and working to promote its healing.
What is the best way to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The best thing your child can do to recover quickly from wisdom teeth removal is rest. Find them a cozy spot on the couch and have them watch movies all day. Don’t let them play sports or engage in any strenuous activities or even do homework.
Managing their pain with over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol, or prescription pain killers and ice packs will help to reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Finally, have them rinse their mouth with warm water the first day rather than brushing their teeth. And don’t let them use a straw because any suction could dislodge the blot clot that forms over the wound. If this happens, a severely painful condition called dry socket can develop and extend the healing period.
How much does it cost to remove a wisdom tooth?
The upfront cost of wisdom teeth removal that you will be responsible for depends on the amount your insurance policy covers, the number of teeth your child is having removed, and the type of extraction needed. If the teeth are impacted, the cost rises. Come in for a consultation, so we can evaluate your teeth and jaw and give you an accurate estimate.
