The third molars can cause pain and infection. Find out the best time for wisdom teeth removal from Pasadena dentists, Drs. Kimber Holmes and Erica Revel.
Adolescence is here, and the third molars, or wisdom teeth, are causing crowding at the back of your teenager’s mouth. Should your Pasadena dentist extract them, and if so, when is the best time for wisdom teeth removal?
What are wisdom teeth, and why are they troublesome?
The backmost molars are called “wisdom” teeth simply because they erupt last when a young person is approaching adulthood or is already a young adult. Unfortunately, many people do not have space inside their mouths for these really big teeth. So, the teeth cause distressing oral health problems such as:
- decay
- infection (abscess)
- gum disease
- cysts
- crowding of adjacent teeth
- improper bite
- bony or soft impaction in the jaw bone
Pasadena cosmetic dentists, Drs. Kimber Homes and Erica Revel,refer to wisdom teeth as “impacted” when they become stuck under the gums or are encased in bone. Their position may be sideways or backwards, too, adding to malpositioning problems.
What should be done?
Your Pasadena dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal before symptoms begin. They examine and x-ray their young patients between the ages of 11 and 13 to see how the wisdom teeth buds are developing and often recommend extraction by the late teens.
Most wisdom teeth extractions are done in-house at Pasadena Family Dentistry utilizing local anesthesia (pain shot) or oral conscious sedation (pills such as Valium to relax the patient). If the wisdom teeth are severely impacted, however, Dr. Revel or Holmes refer the patient to a trusted oral surgeon in the area.
Care after wisdom teeth removal
After extracting the teeth, the dentist usually closes the empty tooth socket and gums with sutures. The patient bites on sterile gauze for 30 minutes or so to control minor bleeding. At home, he or she should follow the dentist’s specific instructions regarding pain control, activity level, diet and hygiene. Typical aftercare instructions include:
- rest for the balance of the day
- icing the jaw to reduce swelling and bruising
- introduction of soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt and mashed potatoes
- drinking plenty of water
- taking over the counter ibuprofen, acetaminophen or prescription pain relievers according to the dentist’s post-op plan
- gently brushing and flossing the day after the extractions
- returning to Pasadena Family Dentistry for a re-check and removal of sutures if needed
Patients should avoid very hot or cold liquids for a day or 2 as the extraction sites will be sensitive. Plus, they should refrain from drinking with a straw for at least 24 hours as suction could disrupt the new blood clots forming in the tooth sockets. Patients should not smoke for at least 72 hours after their procedures.
Wisdom teeth don’t have to be a pain
Be proactive about these unpredictable molars. Have Dr. Holmes or Dr. Revel take a look to determine what should be done so smiles remain healthy. Contact the office for a consultation about your teenager’s wisdom teeth.