Family Dentist in Duncan, OK, Explains Everything You Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth

As a parent, you want a provider who can provide top-notch general dentistry for all ages. If your child is in or approaching their teens, it’s especially important to find a great family dentist in Duncan, OK. In the adolescent and teenage years, kids face some unique dental health concerns. Among these are the eruption of wisdom teeth and the possibility of tooth extraction.

Dr. Matthew Bridges is a trusted family dentist in Duncan, OK. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we use state-of-the-art digital imaging, so we can carefully monitor dental development and tooth eruption. With his conservative approach, Dr. Bridges will never recommend unnecessary tooth extraction. But if wisdom tooth removal is required, you can trust us to provide the best possible care.

To learn more about wisdom teeth or to schedule a consultation for your teen, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third molars that usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. (This is supposedly the age when youth also grow in wisdom, though if you’re in the thick of the teenage years, you may question this nomenclature!)

Though many teens face problems with their wisdom teeth, not everyone is born with them! An analysis of worldwide studies found that 22.63% of people are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth.

How do I know if my child needs wisdom tooth removal?

In the past, it was common practice to remove wisdom teeth automatically for all patients. Today, dentists are more discerning and may allow asymptomatic teeth to remain in place.

Beginning in early adolescence, Dr. Bridges will use digital x-rays to evaluate the position of wisdom teeth, as well as the overall shape and size of your child’s jaw. If it looks as though there will not be enough room for the teeth, he will likely recommend extraction before the molars actually start to erupt. This will prevent damage to the other teeth, such as overcrowding and an increased risk for tooth decay. Early removal will also reduce the risk of impaction. This occurs when teeth are not able to emerge fully, instead remaining trapped beneath gum or bone tissue.

When wisdom teeth have already started to erupt, your family dentist in Duncan, OK, will recommend removal if they are causing pain, are infected, or have begun to affect dental alignment.

What happens during wisdom tooth extraction?

During a simple extraction, your dentist will simply loosen and remove the tooth from the mouth. If teeth are impacted or have not yet come in, your teen will need a surgical extraction. In these cases, Dr. Bridges will refer you to an area oral surgeon.

To perform a surgical extraction, the doctor will remove the gum or bone tissue covering up the wisdom teeth. To reduce impact to the gums, he or she may take the tooth out in several pieces. Your teen will be given sedation prior to surgery, so they will feel little or nothing during the procedure.