When should I have my child evaluated for wisdom tooth removal?

Impacted wisdom teeth can be problematic in a number of ways, so many patients will opt to have them extracted as a preventive measure to avoid those consequences. In fact, wisdom tooth extraction is probably the most common reason for patients to see an oral surgeon.

Because it is easier to extract the wisdom teeth during late adolescence and early adulthood, parents may want to have their teens evaluated to see if they might be candidates for the procedure. An oral surgeon can determine whether the wisdom teeth will need extracted in patients as young as 15 years old.

If you would like to see if it might be beneficial for your child to have their wisdom teeth removed, schedule a consultation at our office.

Problems Associated with Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The third molars, also known as the wisdom teeth, are the largest teeth in the mouth, which makes them particularly susceptible to becoming impacted. When your wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly, they can create numerous problems, including:

  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Abscesses
  • Damage to surrounding teeth
  • Discomfort

Furthermore, it is impossible to predict when such problems may arise in patients with impacted wisdom teeth. Therefore, patients may choose to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon before they become symptomatic.

Age Considerations for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

There are certain considerations in terms of age for wisdom tooth extraction. As you get older, the roots of the wisdom teeth get longer and those teeth become more firmly entrenched in the jaw, which makes it more difficult to remove them.

Older wisdom tooth extraction patients also typically face a longer recovery period and a greater risk for post-operative complications. As such, it is recommended that patients pursue wisdom tooth extraction before their 25th birthday.

Imaging, such as x-rays, can indicate the likelihood of wisdom tooth extraction in patients in their early teen years, and the procedure can be performed at any time. You may want to consider scheduling around school breaks to minimize disruption to your child’s daily routine.

Consider having your child be evaluated at our office to see whether wisdom tooth extraction is recommended in their case. Call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today to schedule your appointment.

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