When Should My Kids Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
A Parents' Guide
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child's dental health is taken care of. One of the common dental issues that teenagers face is the eruption of wisdom teeth. Since many wisdom tooth removal procedures are preventative, deciding to get your child's wisdom teeth removed is a decision many parents take very seriously. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
What are wisdom teeth and why do they need to be removed?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that grow at the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age. While this is a natural process, it can lead to several dental issues. To that end, many dental professionals recommend removing these teeth as a preventive measure.
Wisdom teeth are often problematic because they don't have enough space to grow. This can lead to impacted wisdom teeth, which is when a tooth is stuck in the bone or gum tissue and cannot erupt properly.
Wisdom teeth can cause other issues as well, such as:
- Crowding of other teeth
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Infection and inflammation
- Cysts or tumors
- Damage to adjacent teeth and jaw bone
Wisdom teeth extraction can prevent these potential dental issues and maintain optimal dental health.
What to expect during wisdom teeth removal recovery
The recovery process for any surgical procedure varies from patient to patient. In general, your child can expect the following:
- Swelling and discomfort: Swelling and discomfort around the surgical site for a few days after the procedure is normal. This can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the surgical site can be controlled by biting down on gauze or using tea bags.
- Limited diet: A diet of soft foods and cool liquids for the first few days after the procedure will help to avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Limited physical activity: Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first few days after the procedure to allow for proper healing.
Tips for a smooth and successful wisdom teeth removal experience
Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth and successful wisdom teeth removal experience:
CHOOSE A QUALIFIED ORAL SURGEON
It's important to choose a qualified dentist or oral surgeon who has experience performing wisdom tooth extractions.
FOLLOW ALL PRE-OPERATIVE AND POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Your child should follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon, such as avoiding food and drink before the procedure.
ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION
Your child will need someone to drive them home after the procedure, as they may be groggy from the anesthesia.
PLAN FOR RECOVERY TIME
Your child will most likely need a few days off from school to recover. If IV anesthesia was administered, extra monitoring will be needed during the first 24 hours following the procedure.
ATTEND FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
You and your child should attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
Making the decision for your child's wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can prevent potential dental issues and maintain optimal dental health. We understand the decision to get your child's wisdom teeth removed takes a lot of consideration and trust in your oral surgeon.
As experienced oral surgeons, we are experts at removing wisdom teeth for patients of any age. We are happy to consult with you and your child to create a custom treatment plan for you. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
Real Patient Experiences
Patients across San Francisco trust 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists for expert care and life-changing results. Our commitment to comfort, communication, and precision ensures a positive experience from consultation through recovery.
"Hi, my name is Doris. I'm from San Francisco, and I got my wisdom teeth out at 7x7. The receptionists were very welcoming when I came in. They had everything together and everything prepped for me. Dr. Morrow was really nice, and I just felt really at ease. After I woke up, we went over how it went great. I just really appreciated the time and care they've put towards me. I feel good now! Finally having them out and being comfortable with eating foods made my life a lot better. I would recommend 7x7 to all my family and friends in South San Francisco."
"Hi, I'm Jakob. I'm from San Francisco. I came to 7x7 to have my wisdom teeth removed. When I walked into the practice, I felt welcomed. The staff are really great. They know how to take care of you and accommodate to your needs. The doctors here at 7x7 are professional. They provide excellent care and answer any questions or concerns you might have. My procedure went really well. I feel really great. I'm so happy that all of my wisdom teeth are out because I don't have to worry about crowding. My overall experience was really spectacular. I would highly recommend 7x7. I smile everywhere I go now."
"Hi, my name is Alex, I’m from San Francisco, and I came to see the doctors at 7x7 for dental implants. Immediately upon walking in the door, I knew that I was in the right place. I found the doctors at 7x7 to be very warm and [they] did everything they could to make me comfortable, and I really appreciated that. The staff gave me sort of a play-by-play as to what was going to happen and a treatment path to get my mouth corrected. I’m immensely happy that I had the dental implants done at 7x7. They’ve taken care of me through the whole process and I’ve gotten my teeth back in order. I had a fantastic experience at 7x7, and I would absolutely recommend that anyone go there for any oral surgery needs."
Analise
San Francisco
"Hi, my name is Analise and I live in San Francisco, and I came to 7x7 for a biopsy. When I walked in, everyone was really nice and they made me feel comfortable. Dr. Pat was super kind and confident in what she did. She also was patient with us and answered all our questions and made sure we understood what was going to happen. The staff explained everything to me and made it super easy and everything was super clear about what to do. For my friends and family in San Francisco, I highly recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Andrew, and I had a dental implant with Dr. Duncan. When I first came to Dr. Duncan’s office, it was very clean, organized. Dr. Duncan is very personable and came in, just kind of chatted and got to know each other and he was able to balance kind of comforting myself with respect to the procedure and letting me know kind of what was coming and then, you know, just nice conversation. The surgery went absolutely fine, and what was amazing to me is that I didn’t need to call him up for any questions or anything afterwards. I was surprised how easy the recovery went. Dr. Duncan made me feel comfortable and the fact that he explained everything clear, it all went well. I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
"Hi, I’m Antonio from San Francisco and I came to 7x7 doctors for [a] bone graft and implants. When I first walked into the office, everyone was very professional. The staff at 7x7 was very welcoming and they also gave me all the information that I needed prior to my initial appointment. The doctors at 7x7 were very, very informative. I felt very comfortable, very confident in what they were telling me. I felt like I was in good hands. The procedure went extremely well. I feel good that I can now eat what I hadn’t been able to eat before. I had a great experience here and I definitely recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Angelica, and I am from San Francisco. I came to 7x7 to have my wisdom tooth extracted by Dr. Scharf. When I first came here, I felt very welcomed. The staff was friendly and helpful, and they made me feel comfortable as soon as I got here. Dr. Scharf was professional, personable, and caring. Overall, my experience was amazing. Everything was perfect, and I felt really taken care of. For my friends and family in San Francisco, Daly City, and San Bruno, I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
"My name is Arc. I live in Hillsborough. I visited 7x7 for bone grafting and implant. The very first second I visited the office, the staff was both friendly and professional and needless to say that doctor was amazing. Dr. Pat is incredibly professional and kind and caring person. I wish all my doctors were like Dr. Pat. After the surgery, everything was so smooth and so easy. It was amazing. Now I can chew as I want on both sides. It was amazing experience and I would strongly recommend Dr. Pat."
"Hi, my name is Betty from San Francisco. I had a dental implant done by Dr. Scharf. The office here at West Portal is one of the friendliest, most professional offices I’ve ever been to. Everyone is always kind. They’re very efficient. It’s really a pleasure to come here. Before I came for surgery, I was really very nervous. I’d never had a tooth pulled, and I also had never been through the implant procedure before. Dr. Scharf is so professional and so skilled, and the minute he walks into the room, you know that he knows what he’s doing and he makes you feel so much better about the whole process. It worked one hundred percent, and it was a great experience. For my friends and family in Brisbane and Colma, I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
Where the Bay Area Finds Better Smiles
For over 40 years, 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists has helped San Francisco find healthier and more beautiful smiles. We are proud to serve Bay Area patients with exceptional oral surgery services delivered with compassionate care. With four practice locations, we are able to bring our expertise to the entire city. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your oral health goals, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to welcoming you soon!