If your child’s dentist has recommended wisdom tooth extraction, you likely have questions about the procedure and whether it’s necessary for your child. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between ages 17-25 and often cause problems when there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate them.
At Esteem Dental, we provide gentle, effective wisdom tooth removal services for adolescents and teens in the Lake Nona area. Our experienced dental team specializes in creating positive experiences for younger patients, ensuring their comfort throughout the extraction process while preventing potential complications from impacted wisdom teeth.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal isn’t always necessary, but it’s often recommended when these molars pose risks to your child’s oral health. Regular dental check-ups during adolescence allow dentists to monitor wisdom tooth development through X-rays and determine if extraction would be beneficial.
Most dental professionals suggest removing wisdom teeth when they are impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge through the gums due to insufficient space. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed because they cannot properly erupt into the dental arch.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various problems, including pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and in some cases, cysts or tumors. When these teeth grow at awkward angles, they may push against neighboring teeth, potentially causing alignment issues even after orthodontic treatment has been completed.
Early intervention is often recommended for wisdom tooth removal. Younger patients typically have easier recoveries because their tooth roots are not fully developed, and bone tissue is more flexible. This allows for a less complicated extraction process and faster healing time compared to adults.
Signs Your Child May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal
While regular dental examinations can identify potential wisdom tooth problems before symptoms appear, certain signs may indicate that your child’s wisdom teeth are causing issues and should be evaluated by a dental professional.
Common symptoms include persistent pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth, swelling or tenderness in the gums behind the second molars, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and bad breath or an unpleasant taste that doesn’t resolve with good oral hygiene. Some children may also experience headaches due to the pressure created by emerging wisdom teeth.
If your child wears braces or has had orthodontic treatment, emerging wisdom teeth can potentially undo the alignment correction by exerting pressure on adjacent teeth. This is one reason why orthodontists often recommend wisdom tooth evaluation after braces are removed.
It’s important to note that not all wisdom tooth problems cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. This is why regular dental check-ups with X-rays are essential for monitoring wisdom tooth development and identifying potential issues before they become problematic.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure for Younger Patients
We understand that dental procedures can be intimidating for children and teenagers. Our approach to wisdom tooth removal focuses on creating a comfortable, anxiety-free experience tailored to younger patients’ needs.
The procedure begins with a thorough examination and X-rays to determine the position and development of the wisdom teeth. Based on this assessment, we’ll create a customized treatment plan and discuss sedation options appropriate for your child’s age, anxiety level, and the complexity of the extraction.
For most young patients, we offer several sedation methods ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral sedation or IV sedation for more complex cases. Our priority is ensuring your child feels relaxed and experiences minimal discomfort throughout the procedure.
During the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth, removes any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and then divides the tooth into sections if needed for easier removal. Once the tooth is completely removed, the site is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to promote proper healing.
The entire procedure typically takes 45 minutes to an hour for all four wisdom teeth, though this varies depending on the complexity of each case. Parents are provided with detailed aftercare instructions to support their child’s recovery process.
Recovery and Aftercare for Young Patients
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction is generally faster for younger patients compared to adults. Most teenagers can return to school within 2-3 days, though full recovery takes about a week.
During the first 24 hours, patients should rest with their heads elevated and apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Soft foods like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, and smoothies are recommended for the first few days. Gradually, as comfort improves, your child can transition to more substantial foods.
Good oral hygiene remains important during recovery, though the extraction sites should be treated gently. We’ll provide specific instructions for cleaning around the surgical areas without disrupting the healing process.
Pain management typically involves over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescribed pain relievers for more significant discomfort. Most young patients report that pain subsides considerably after the first 48-72 hours.
Contact Esteem Dental for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Lake Nona
At Esteem Dental, our multi-specialty practice offers the advantage of comprehensive dental care under one roof, making us the ideal choice for wisdom tooth removal for children and teenagers in Lake Nona. Our team specializes in creating positive dental experiences for younger patients, combining technical expertise with a compassionate approach that helps ease anxiety. As a family-centered practice, we understand the importance of clear communication with both parents and children throughout the treatment process.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of wisdom tooth problems in your child or your family dentist has recommended an evaluation, we’re here to help. Our experienced team will assess your child’s specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs. Contact us today at (407) 476-5650 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation and learn more about our gentle approach to wisdom tooth removal for younger patients.
The Esteem Dental team is honored to serve Lake Nona and all of South Orlando with exceptional dental care. Let us know how our dental team can serve you and your family. We can’t wait to meet you!
