Does Your Teenager Really Need Wisdom Teeth Removal, Find Out Here!
The third molars, also commonly known as wisdom teeth, start to develop around the age of 10. Usually, they make their first appearance between the ages of 16 and 25. Also, that is the time when most people have their wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth extraction is mostly considered as a rite of passage that every teenager must endure. However, this procedure is not always necessary for everyone. If you have a teen who is thinking about having their wisdom teeth extracted, here are some key pieces of information that you have to know so that both of you can make the right decision.
When is Wisdom Tooth Removal Not Necessary?
If your teenager’s wisdom teeth erupt properly and are healthy, they probably will not need to be removed. Wisdom teeth that are well aligned with other molars and can be cleaned easily will most probably be okay if they are left in the mouth.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
One of the most common reasons why people undergo oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth at the age of 15 is to prevent oral health problems. Wisdom teeth erupt at the back of the mouth behind the molars. However, in most cases, there isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate the new teeth properly. As a result, wisdom teeth tend to emerge at awkward angles, crowd other molars or erupt partially. In some rare cases, the development of wisdom teeth does not cause any discomfort. However, most people experience oral health issues once these wisdom teeth are left in place.
Common Wisdom Teeth Problems include:
- Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth cannot erupt in the right position when there is no room to grow properly. Partially emerged teeth are prone to trap food particles, thus allowing cavity-causing bacteria to flourish.
- Gum Disease
Crooked wisdom teeth can create a space for bacteria to enter into the gum tissues and cause infections. These infections can result in severe pain, inflammation of the gum, and stiffness in the jaw.
- Cavities
When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt, they can make it difficult or even impossible to floss between the teeth.
What is involved during wisdom teeth extraction?
The extraction process involves making a cut through the gum tissue, carefully detaching the connective tissue between the bone and the tooth, removing the tooth and sewing the opening in the gum. In other cases, some of the bone surrounding the impacted tooth is removed to allow the wisdom tooth to be extracted. Also, the tooth may need to be cut into small sections to remove. Usually, this procedure is done in the dentist’s office under local anaesthesia. Therefore, if you have an anxious teenager, you should consult your dentist about supplements to local anaesthesia or other forms of anaesthesia.
Bottom Line
Deciding on whether or not to have your teenager’s wisdom teeth extracted depends on several factors. It is important that you talk to your dentist so that he/she can help you make the best decision. If you have been wondering where to take your teen to have their wisdom teeth removed, feel free to contact our dentist in Melbourne. Our dental staff and dentists are qualified, experienced, and equipped with the latest technology to deal with diverse oral issues.