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My Teenager is Getting Their Wisdom Teeth Removed. What Should I Know?

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During the teen years, many people get their wisdom teeth removed. If your child’s dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, has recommended wisdom tooth removal for your teenager, you may have questions about how you can help your child through this procedure.

The first thing to know is that wisdom tooth removal is common and that dentists know how to do this procedure with minimal discomfort for patients. Below are some of the things you should do to prepare for your child’s wisdom tooth removal.

What should I do to prepare in advance?

There are many things you can do to prepare in advance for your child’s wisdom tooth removal. Plan for your child to fast for the 8 hours before the procedure. You may need to help your child plan for this by ensuring that your child gets a sufficient meal before the fasting period.

Once your child comes home, they’ll need to avoid certain foods. It’s best if your child starts off after their procedure by drinking only. When they’re ready to eat, they should eat foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, ice cream, milkshakes, yogurt, and smoothies. Have these foods on hand, so your child will have something to eat when the time comes.

Will it hurt?

Most patients don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. When the procedure is over, your child’s dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medication. You may need to pick up the prescription for your child. Follow the dentist’s recommendations to manage the pain. If the discomfort becomes worse, talk to the dentist.

How long does the procedure take?

The dental procedure may take only 20 to 30 minutes if your child has just one tooth removed. If the dentist is removing all four teeth, the procedure may take 45 minutes or more.

Do you have questions about wisdom teeth removal in Scottsdale, AZ? The dentist can help. To get started with your child’s wisdom teeth removal, call today to make an appointment. We can help you understand the procedure and can give you more information about how to prepare for your child’s wisdom teeth removal.

Do Your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal If They’re Not Impacted?

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It’s a common practice for dentists in Scottsdale, AZ, to remove wisdom teeth from their patients, though it’s important for everyone to know the reasons behind the removal. If the wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they have not fully emerged from the gum line), this can not only be painful for the patient, but it can also push on the other teeth, causing them to crowd together.

In the case of extreme pain or imminent danger, the path forward is pretty clear to both the patient and the dentist. Of course, this is not the whole story, as wisdom teeth can still be removed even if they’re not impacted. If you’re wondering why else a dentist will recommend the procedure, we’ll look at how a dentist typically evaluates the patient.

Key Indicators

The dentist typically looks at your mouth and considers the following indicators:

  • Spacing: Your wisdom teeth may come in at the wrong angle, which will cause anything from overcrowding to bite issues. It can even lead to pain if the wisdom teeth are bearing down on the adjacent teeth.
  • Cleaning: Cleaning your wisdom teeth is difficult, even if they come in perfectly. If it’s difficult to keep up with the regime, then a dentist may remove them to reduce the odds of decay and gum disease.
  • Jaw: Some people’s jaws are large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, but others will have smaller jaws that simply don’t have the space. In addition, there are wisdom teeth that can impact the health of your jaw. While rare, the dentist may recommend removal if there are any bone or nerve issues.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Scottsdale

If you’re interested in wisdom teeth removal in Scottsdale, AZ, the dentist will want to look at your general oral health before evaluating the next steps. If you’re older, it’s worth noting that complications are more likely. If you’re more at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, removal may be your best option. At Dr. Pete N. Mellas, DMD, you’ll work with a staff that can answer your questions so you can feel comfortable about whatever decision you make.