With summer just around the corner, there are few times better than now for your child to get examined by their dentist. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can cause problems without even showing any symptoms. That means your children could be going about their day without realizing the damage their wisdom teeth are doing to their oral development.
To help your child avoid complications caused by wisdom teeth, keep reading this post from your family dentist in Evergreen.
What Does a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Entail?
In all cases of wisdom teeth extraction, dentists determine that the third molars are interfering with young patients’ oral development. Through the use of digital x-rays and/or an intraoral camera, your dentist can show you and your child exactly where wisdom teeth are erupting and prove why they need removal.
Once your dentist decides which extraction type is necessary, they’ll schedule your child to come in for treatment. They won’t have to worry about discomfort during since they’ll be given local anesthetic to numb the area. If the tooth is visible, the dentist will perform a simple extraction, which only requires loosening the tooth with an elevator and removing it with dental forceps. If the tooth is impacted or underneath gum tissue, they’ll create a small incision to access it.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need Removal?
While it is rare, some patients don’t need to have their wisdom teeth removed because their mouths can accommodate the necessary room. However, this is often not the case. Even if your child experiences no symptoms, such as shifting teeth or pain in the back of the mouth, they should still have regular x-rays.
Keep in mind dentists will always take preventive measures if it helps patients avoid problems later, including:
- Pericoronitis – A low-grade infection linked to flaps of gum tissue appearing after eruption
- Impaction – When wisdom teeth erupt underneath bone or other teeth
- Decay and Infection – Common issues associated with unextracted wisdom teeth
- Crowding – Occurs when wisdom teeth cause neighboring teeth to shift
- Cysts – Fluid-filled growths that can permanently damage bone, teeth, and nerves
Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Schedule an Appointment
After your child has their wisdom teeth removed, you’ll need to give them some time to recover. Not only does the upcoming summer vacation make scheduling easier, it also gives your child time to relax and get the right aftercare. If you have multiple children, this makes summer even more convenient.
The idea is to prevent issues before they appear, so why not use their time off to schedule an appointment now, rather than while they’re in school? To keep your child’s oral health intact, schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Evergreen today!