Parent & Teen Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal
Facts About Wisdom Teeth – Symptoms, Extraction and Aftercare
Nov 12, 2009
Wisdom teeth are so named because they appear at the end of childhood when young adults are old enough to have acquired some 'wisdom' in life.
Who Should Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Whether or not a young person should have their wisdom teeth removed depends on a variety of factors. Some people go through their whole lives without having their wisdom teeth removed, while others have them extracted because they are experiencing discomfort. The decision whether or not to have wisdom teeth removed is made in consultation with a dentist. Once the decision for extraction has been made, the dentist will refer the patient to a specialist; an oral/maxillofacial dental surgeon.
What Does 'Impacted' Mean?
It's not uncommon to hear the word 'impacted' used in reference to wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth is simply a tooth that has not broken through the gums. Although not always a problem, sometimes impacted teeth do have to be extracted.
How to Decide if Wisdom Teeth Need to be Pulled?
Young people who experience the following symptoms should make an appointment with the dentist for Xrays and to discuss tooth extraction:
- Wisdom teeth have erupted and there is infection in the area
- Wisdom teeth are crowding other teeth and causing headaches and jaw-aches
- One or more of the wisdom teeth have erupted at an odd and uncomfortable angle in the mouth increasing risk of decay
- One or more of the wisdom teeth have erupted and a small flap has grown over the area increasing the risk of infection and discomfort (often bits of food will lodge here)
- Inflamed and sore gums or bleeding gums
What to Expect Before and During Surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed in a dental office and most patients having all four teeth removed can expect to be in and out of the dental surgery in under two hours. Prior to surgery, patients will meet the oral surgeon for a consultation and will be given detailed, written instructions on what to do on the day before the surgery. These should be strictly adhered to.
Dental surgeons often use a strong sedative along with a local anesthetic so patients do need to be escorted home after wisdom tooth extraction and cannot drive. This is a much safer option than a general anesthetic. The patient's vital signs are closely monitored throughout the procedure and the patient will not feel or hear anything.
What to Expect Following Oral Surgery
After the wisdom teeth have been extracted, patients can expect, to varying degrees one of more of the following:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Post operative pain
Following oral surgery and wisdom teeth removal, patients should:
- Refrain from smoking for at least 4 days as chances of Dry Socket are increased.
- Swelling is common especially during the first three to four days. Use ice wrapped in a towel – 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
- A regular diet is probably not possible for a few days following surgery, but soft foods and nutritious liquids should be taken. Do not use a straw for four days.
- Do not rinse the mouth on the first day of surgery, but begin to rinse the day after with warm, salty water for a two week period.
- Pain usually persists 3 to 4 days following surgery. The oral surgeon will have advice on pain management and medication.
Pulling Wisdom Teeth: Whose Decision is it?
In the end, the decision to have wisdom teeth removed in older teens is one that should be made in consultation with all the parties involved – dentist, the parents (who are usually the ones paying the bill or insurance premiums) and the young adult, who, at the very least, should be fully informed about the procedure.
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