During the fun and festivities of the holidays, oral surgery is probably one of the last things your teenager wants to think about. However, if their wisdom teeth need to be removed, now could be the best opportunity to schedule an appointment for a while – and the sooner the procedure is performed, the better it will be for their smile! Learn why the winter holiday break could be the perfect time for wisdom teeth extractions in Carmichael.
Why Does Your Teen Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are also called “third molars” and will be the last teeth to erupt in your teen’s mouth – long after the rest of their adult teeth have already come in. Because of the lack of space, they typically erupt at an odd angle and may not even break through the gum line at all. This can be very painful, and the pressure could cause other teeth to crowd together, making them more difficult to brush and increasing the risk of cavities. A wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed so that these long-term issues can be avoided entirely.
When are Wisdom Teeth Extractions Normally Performed?
As people get older, their bones become denser. That means it will be harder to remove the teeth from the jawbone the longer you wait. According to the American Dental Association, the best time for extraction is usually between the ages of 16 and 19; if your teen falls into that range, it’s a good idea to have them examined so that you can start planning for a procedure as soon as possible.
Why Should You Schedule Wisdom Teeth Extractions During Winter Break?
There are a few different reasons why the winter holidays may be an excellent time to take your teen to the oral surgeon in Carmichael:
- No Need to Miss Class: Taking your teen out of school for an extraction can be inconvenient and stressful for everyone, but this won’t be an issue if you take advantage of the winter break.
- Ample Recovery Time: It can take up to a week to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. Scheduling the procedure for the holidays will give your teen plenty of time to rest at home!
- Insurance Benefits: If you have dental insurance or a Flexible Savings Account (FSA), an extraction can be a good opportunity to use your benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Note that while removing wisdom teeth is a common practice, it’s sometimes possible to keep them if they can erupt without harming the other teeth. Talk to your oral surgeon and see what they recommend in order to protect your teen’s oral health. If an extraction is the right course of action, take advantage of the holiday season to set up an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji became an oral surgeon because he loves helping patients, who he treats as his own family. Over the years, he has become an expert in removing wisdom teeth in order to avoid issues such as crowding and infections. If you have a teen whose wisdom teeth are due to erupt soon, schedule an appointment by visiting Dr. Ji’s website or calling (916) 961-1902.