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What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most people develop in their early twenties or late teens. If these teeth are properly aligned and do not cause any damage or harm to the jaw and the rest of the teeth, they can actually be a useful part of the mouth. However, if they cause pain or misalignment it’s recommended to have the wisdom teeth removed. In fact, the removal of the wisdom teeth is often times considered a rite of passage for most teens.
When should teens get wisdom teeth removed?
If your teen is suffering from inflammation and/or pain in the back of their jaw, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist to see if having their wisdom teeth removed is a good idea. While many teens and young adults have wisdom teeth removal surgery, not everyone needs to do so.
Other reasons for having wisdom teeth removed include: misalignment when teeth emerge, chronic pain in gums or teeth surround the wisdom teeth area, and the formation of cysts around the area of the wisdom teeth.
Planning for surgery
If your dentist has recommended that the removal of your wisdom teeth is a safe and healthy option, it’s time to start preparing for the surgery. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and leave your contact lenses at home. In general, it’s important not to eat any food or drink at least six hours prior to surgery, and make sure you have a safe ride home.
After the surgery, make sure to avoid sticking anything in your mouth including fingers and sharp or pointed eating utensils. Be extremely careful using anything that might accidentally poke the inside of your mouth and avoid brushing your teeth for up to 24 hours.
It might also be a fun idea to take along a video camera (or camera phone) to capture the reaction to the anesthesia!
