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."
"I was referred here by my dentist, and when I came in, the staff was really good with greeting me. They were very timely about my appointment and kind of helped me navigate through my first time at the office, so I was pretty comfortable with the staff. My doctor was really great. He's very personable, very laid back. He made me extremely comfortable. It was a really good procedure. My recovery was really well. They later let me see the X-ray of the implant that he had put in, and it was perfect. It was just straight up. I would absolutely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. Everything went really smooth, and it was a great experience."
"When I walked in, into the practice, it was such a good feeling. The staff was really welcoming. They treat me really warmly. My doctor was an excellent doctor, really friendly, really nice. I felt so comfortable with her throughout all the procedure. My procedure actually went really easy. Recovery went so fast, and everything went beyond my expectations. I will highly recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery to all my friends in Millbrae."
"Hi, my name is Daryl. I am from South San Francisco, and I had a dental implant. The staff was great. They were very professional as well as precise. I was very, very impressed with Dr. Morrow's bedside manner. The procedure went very well, and my quality of life has improved. By all means, I would definitely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists."
"People seem really friendly and nice. That was my first interaction with the person at the front desk. The level of customer service seemed really great. My doctor was Dr. Scharf. He's like really a friendly person. I felt like he really met me where I was, and I felt like he spoke to me in a way that I could understand what was going on. And I really appreciated being under his care. Implant was a success. Very clean, professional work. So far, it's been really easy. I'm happy, I'm satisfied, and I would feel very comfortable recommending other people here for dental work or implants or surgery."
"Hi, my name is Jim from San Francisco, and I came to 7x7 to get dental implants. When I first came here, I noticed that the facilities were very clean, very organized. I can’t say enough about Dr. Duncan in terms of his professionalism. He’s very efficient, he’s very fast and organized, he’s very friendly, and I always felt at ease with him. I find the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Procedures went very well. After I got my implants, I don’t notice any difference between my normal teeth and the implants. Overall, I would highly recommend 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Jodi from San Bruno, and I had dental implants done by the doctors here at 7x7. When I first walked in, I was treated with such care that I felt much more at peace. The doctors at 7x7 are so good and they made me feel confident that we would get the job done. The staff here was soothing and clear and helped me understand what to expect. I feel confident with my smile and happy with what the results are. For my friends and family in and around San Francisco, I highly recommend the doctors at 7x7."
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!