Discover why it is so important that you schedule an appointment for your teen that focuses on early screening for wisdom teeth.
What Happens During an Early Screening Appointment for Wisdom Teeth?
An early screening appointment is designed to provide your general dentist or oral surgeon with a better understanding of the growth and development of the wisdom teeth. Digital imaging and x-rays will be taken to see how the roots of the wisdom teeth are developing, what direction the wisdom teeth are growing, and whether or not there is enough room for the wisdom teeth.
The information obtained during this appointment helps determine if the wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Why Early Screening for Wisdom Teeth is so Important
Wisdom teeth that are not properly developing and growing can cause a lot of problems. Some of the complications that can happen as a result of not having wisdom teeth removed include:
- Damage to the surrounding teeth – wisdom teeth can sometimes grow in sideways which can result in damage to the second molar
- Development of a cyst – cysts can damage the teeth, jawbone, and nerves in the mouth
- Increased occurrence of tooth decay and gum disease – impacted and partially impacted wisdom teeth are extremely difficult to brush and floss. The inability to properly brush and floss can result in your teen being at a higher risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Increased risk of developing infections
- Overcrowding of the teeth which results in the teeth shifting and moving out of proper alignment
An early screening appointment for wisdom teeth can help reduce the likelihood that your teen may experience complications from their wisdom teeth. Teens are less likely to experience complications from wisdom teeth with an early screening because issues with the growth and development of the wisdom teeth are spotted before any problems arise.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction is Less Complicated When Performed During Your Child’s Teenage Years
Surgical extraction of wisdom teeth is often less complicated when it is performed during the teenage years. It is less complicated because the jawbone is not fully grown and therefore is not as rigid or stiff. Teeth are easier to remove when the jawbone is not fully formed.
Another reason wisdom teeth extraction is recommended during the teenage years is because the roots are still forming. The roots of the wisdom teeth will start to form around your child’s 9th birthday and continue to grow and lengthen until your child is about 30 years old. When your child is between the ages of 30 and 40 the wisdom teeth roots fully form and the teeth are securely anchored in the jawbone. Once the teeth are securely anchored in the jawbone, the removal process can be complex.
Oral surgeons prefer to remove wisdom teeth when your child is in their late teens to early 20s. This age is recommended for wisdom tooth extraction because the jawbone is more flexible and the roots of the teeth are not completely anchored in the jawbone which makes them easier to remove.
Monitor the Growth and Development of Your Teen’s Wisdom Teeth by Scheduling an Early Screening Appointment with an Oral Surgeon
Don’t wait until your teen is experiencing pain and other problems to think about wisdom teeth removal. Schedule an appointment for an early screening for wisdom teeth and the growth and development of your child’s teeth will be monitored by an experienced oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will be looking for any potential problems that could occur with your child’s wisdom teeth. Early screening for wisdom teeth appointments can be scheduled for children as young as 9 or 10 years old.
Call Advanced Endodontics, Oral, and Facial Specialists today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your teen’s oral health.
