Wisdom Teeth FAQs: Suffolk County (Parents & Teens Edition)

What Should Parents Know About Their Child’s Wisdom Teeth?

When should my teen see an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth?

If your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth extraction or a consultation with a surgeon, it is time to make an appointment. Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 19 to avoid future complications. However, your child may develop symptoms suggesting an impacted wisdom tooth, which would also indicate the need to see an oral surgeon. If your child has any of these symptoms, it is crucial to schedule an appointment as soon as possible:

• Pain and swelling in and around the back of the mouth.
• Redness, bleeding, or pus discharge behind the second molars, particularly when brushing or flossing.
• Jaw pain and stiffness or headaches that radiate up to the ear.
• Difficulty opening their mouth or chewing properly.
• Fever with bleeding or discharge.

Are the risks of wisdom teeth removal higher if we wait too long?

If your child waits until their late 20s or beyond, wisdom teeth removal may pose greater risks for several reasons. First, the roots of the wisdom teeth continue to grow well into adulthood, becoming longer and sometimes curving into the jaw, making them more difficult to extract. In some cases, these roots impinge on nerve bundles in the jaw, which can be damaged during removal, leading to numbness in the lip or jaw. As we age, our body’s natural healing process tends to slow down, so recovery from wisdom tooth surgery takes longer and is more painful.

What if my child isn’t experiencing pain? Do the wisdom teeth still need to be removed?

If X-rays or an examination indicate the tooth is impacted or partially impacted, it can cause serious dental problems even in the absence of pain. Keeping the tooth clean can be difficult, which can lead to cavities. Bacteria and debris may become trapped, contributing to infection. Partially erupted wisdom teeth may put pressure on adjacent molars, damaging them or pushing them out of alignment.

Can leaving wisdom teeth in place affect my child’s orthodontic treatment or future bite?

Yes. Sometimes an individual who has their teeth corrected with braces or aligners discovers that their teeth are shifting out of their new positions months or years later because their wisdom teeth have shifted or migrated in the jawbone. This can also affect your bite alignment, making it difficult to eat properly.

What Teens & Young Adults Want to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Will I miss a lot of school or work after wisdom teeth extraction?

We suggest taking 2 to 3 days off to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. During this time, discomfort and swelling will peak, then begin to subside. You will be on a soft diet and asked to rest with your head elevated. Hydration, rest, and following your post-operative care instructions should be your focus. 

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt? What kind of anesthesia is used?

You do not feel any pain during wisdom teeth extraction. Your surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then administers some form of anesthesia to relax you so that you do not feel any anxiety during surgery. At Suffolk Oral Surgery, we provide various sedation options, including laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) and general anesthesia. We will discuss these options at your consultation to determine which is best for you.

What are the signs of impacted wisdom teeth I should look out for?

As mentioned earlier, look for any signs of pain or infection, including swollen or puffy gums, bleeding, or pus in the back of the mouth; chronic bad breath; chronic headaches and jaw pain; a severe toothache that radiates to the ear; and jaw stiffness or difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

Is recovery different if I wait until my 20s or later?

Yes, you may recover more slowly and feel more pain if your wisdom teeth are removed later in life. The surgery may be more complex due to longer tooth roots, making it more invasive and requiring a longer recovery time. 

Common Wisdom Teeth Concerns for Everyone

What is dry socket, and how can I avoid it?

A dry socket is an extremely painful condition, usually characterized by throbbing pain, that occurs when the blood clot protecting the surgical site is dislodged. The blood clot protects the empty socket, its blood vessels, and nerves from the air. When exposed, pain sets in immediately.  

To avoid developing a dry socket, do NOT use drinking straws or probe the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Do not chew on that side of the mouth, and avoid any irritating foods (crunchy, hard, or sticky foods can dislodge the blood clot). Do not spit or suck on candy. Most dry sockets develop around days 3 or 4. If you suspect you have one, please get in touch with our office immediately. We can relieve your pain and protect the surgical site.

Can I drive myself home after wisdom teeth removal?

No. Anesthesia can remain in your system for minutes to hours. We ask that you have a responsible adult available to drive you home after your wisdom teeth extraction. They should watch you for the first few hours to ensure you are okay and able to care for yourself at home.

Should I go to the ER if I have severe swelling or infection after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, if you have severe swelling moving over your face or toward your eye, a fever over 101 degrees, difficulty breathing, or an infection (pus, an unpleasant or foul taste or odor in the mouth), go to the Emergency Room immediately. This could indicate a rare but dangerous medical emergency.

To discuss your wisdom teeth extraction options and learn more about the procedure, please get in touch with Suffolk Oral Surgery at Stony Brook Office Phone Number 631-689-7575 to schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.