Wisdom Teeth Removal Parent’s Corner

Parent’s Guide to Common Questions

At what age do wisdom teeth typically start coming in, and when should we be concerned about their removal?

While everyone is different, wisdom teeth emerge in most teens around ages 17-19, although they can come in as early as 13-14 or as late as the early 20s. Your dentist should monitor your teen’s wisdom teeth as they grow to ensure they are not impacted and advise you if they believe the wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent future issues such as impaction, infection, or crowding of the other teeth.

If your teen exhibits symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth, it should be removed as soon as possible to alleviate pain and prevent the potential spread of infection. The best time to remove wisdom teeth is before they become a problem. Your teen’s dentist can advise you regarding an appropriate timeline based on dental checkups and X-rays.

What is the youngest age at which wisdom teeth can be removed?

The wisdom teeth are the last to develop and are not fully formed until your child is in their teens. The roots of the teeth continue to grow into adulthood. Unless your child experiences symptoms earlier or another dental need exists, such as orthodontics, we recommend removal between the ages of 15-18.

What are the common signs and symptoms indicating the need for wisdom teeth removal?

If your teen exhibits any of the following symptoms, they should see their dentist or an oral surgeon as soon as possible for an evaluation.

  • Toothache in the back of the mouth
  • Cheek or jaw pain
  • Swelling at the back of the mouth
  • Swollen cheeks
  • Bleeding or tender gums at the back of the mouth
  • Chronic or recurring headaches
  • Chronic bad breath
  • A metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty opening the mouth all the way
  • Teeth moving out of place or shifting

How can we schedule an appointment for a consultation and evaluation regarding our teenager’s wisdom teeth?

Contact our office at Oral Surgery Office in Salem office Phone Number 503-581-0223 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swiderski. He will thoroughly examine your teen’s mouth, take X-rays or 3D images to evaluate their wisdom teeth, and advise you on appropriate treatment.

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Do all teenagers need to have their wisdom teeth removed, or is it case-specific?

While it is considered case-specific, most teens have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems. The wisdom teeth may erupt fully without crowding or damaging adjacent teeth, but this is rare. If the wisdom teeth are not removed when your child is in their teens, their dentist must monitor them throughout their lives. Wisdom teeth can develop problems at any age, and removal is more difficult as patients age.

What type of anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure, and is it safe for teenagers?

Most teen wisdom teeth removal is performed under IV sedation. This is a safe and effective method of ensuring your teen does not experience any pain or anxiety during the procedure. They will drift in and out of consciousness without discomfort or stress. They are relaxed and comfortable and will probably not remember any part of the procedure. Dr. Swiderski administers the IV anesthesia himself and carefully monitors your child’s vital signs throughout the process.

Can I accompany my teenager to their wisdom teeth removal appointment?

We ask that a parent or guardian accompany all teens to their wisdom teeth extraction, although you must remain in the waiting room during the procedure. Once your teen has sufficiently recovered from the anesthesia, you can take them home. They may be groggy for a while and cannot drive for at least 24 hours.

Can my teenagers’s dentist remove their wisdom teeth, or must I bring them to an oral surgeon?

Some dentists are willing to remove wisdom teeth, but most refer their patients to an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have 4-6 years of additional surgical training beyond dental school, including training in various forms of sedation not available at most dentists’ offices. Wisdom teeth removal is a complex procedure that can lead to complications. Oral surgeons are experienced in handling these unexpected complications. At Mid-Valley Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, wisdom teeth extractions are performed regularly, ensuring your teen gets the best care.

How long does the recovery period usually last, and what can we do to ensure a smooth recovery for our teenager?

Rest is essential for the first 2-4 days after wisdom teeth extraction. When your teen arrives home, encourage them to relax on the couch, play video games, read, or watch TV. Keep their head elevated, and use ice for the first 24-48 hours to keep swelling to a minimum. Do not let them engage in strenuous activities.

We will provide detailed at-home care instructions for the first week following your teen’s wisdom teeth removal. Please follow these guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

What can my teenager eat after wisdom teeth removal?

For the first 24 hours, we recommend a liquid diet. Smoothies, broth, and Jell-O are good foods, but be sure your teen does not use a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot on their incision site, leading to a dry socket. Over the next few days, they can add soft foods such as yogurt, hummus, mashed potatoes, soft-cooked vegetables, and bananas. Most teens are eating everyday foods within a week, although we advise avoiding hard or crunchy foods as long as possible.

Will my teenager miss school or other activities because of the surgery, and for how long?

Yes. Most teens will miss 3-4 days of school and activities. It is best not to push them to return to activities until they feel up to doing so. Wisdom teeth extraction is an invasive surgery; your teen’s body needs time to heal.

Will my teenager be in pain after having their wisdom teeth removed? What pain management options are available?

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Most teens experience mild pain that is manageable with ibuprofen. Ice packs on the cheeks on the first day can help minimize pain and swelling. If your teen’s pain is extreme, please get in touch with our office at Oral Surgery Office in Salem office Phone Number 503-581-0223 for guidance. We will prescribe a non-narcotic pain reliever. Studies have shown that narcotic pain relievers are not always effective and can be addictive when given to teens; we recommend there use only if needed.

How much does wisdom teeth removal typically cost, and does insurance cover this procedure?

The fee for teen wisdom teeth removal is affected by several factors, including the difficulty of removal, whether the teeth are impacted, and the type of anesthesia used. Dr. Swiderski and his staff will discuss costs and payment options at your teen’s consultation.

Insurance coverage varies depending on your coverage and the insurance provider’s allowance for the procedure. Our staff will work with you to help you get the maximum allowable coverage for your teen’s surgery.

Are there any alternatives to surgical removal for some instances, and how do we decide which option is best?

Yes, occasionally, the roots of the wisdom teeth press against the lingual or inferior alveolar nerves, which provide feeling to the tongue, lips, and chin. We may recommend a coronectomy as an alternative to wisdom teeth removal if the roots are impinging on these nerves. A coronectomy is the surgical removal of the crown of the tooth with the roots left intact.

Coronectomies are rarely needed for teens because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, but it does happen. If Dr. Swiderski believes a coronectomy may be an option, he will review this alternative with you and your teen before scheduling any procedure.

To schedule an appointment to have your teen’s wisdom teeth evaluated, call our office at Oral Surgery Office in Salem office Phone Number 503-581-0223