The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, often need to be extracted because they don’t erupt properly, cause pain and discomfort, or increase the risk of infections. Removing the wisdom teeth doesn’t lead to any problems. On the contrary, it improves your overall oral health by reducing possible long-term risks.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Asburn & South Riding
Nova Children’s Dentistry is a state-of-the-art dental clinic providing wisdom teeth removal in Ashburn and South Riding using the safest techniques to remove impacted wisdom teeth without any pain or discomfort. You may schedule an appointment at our offices in Ashburn and South Riding, VA, to determine if your child needs wisdom tooth removal.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth located in the furthest corners of the mouth, all the way at the back. They usually start appearing between the ages of 17 and 21, though an initial wisdom tooth evaluation should be made between the ages of 16 and 19. The wisdom teeth often have to be removed because all the other teeth are already set in place, and there’s no space for the newly-erupting teeth.
What problems does an impacted wisdom tooth cause?
- Bacteria and plaque accumulation
- Development of cyst-filled sacs
- Development of tumors
- Infections
- Gum disease
- Jaw problems
- Root resorption of the surrounding teeth
- Dental decays
When is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
- When a dental evaluation reveals that the wisdom teeth are impacted or problematic.
- When the wisdom tooth partially erupts, but most of the tooth remains stuck within the jawbone due to the lack of space in the child’s mouth.
- When your children experience pain, facial swelling, and discomfort because of the potentially impacted wisdom teeth.
- When your children display signs of infections in the mouth due to the wisdom teeth, such as the formation of a pus-filled cyst.
In some cases, a completely impacted wisdom tooth will remain trapped within the gums. If it’s not causing any pain or discomfort, the pediatric dentist might choose to monitor the wisdom tooth over time. However, if the tooth starts causing any problems, they’ll recommend wisdom teeth removal in South Riding and Ashburn at the earliest possible moment to avoid further complications.
How is a wisdom tooth removal performed?
Wisdom tooth removal can be performed as an in-office and outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. If the child is anxious, we can also provide sedation dentistry to alleviate their anxieties and concerns.
Once the anesthesia kicks in, the pediatric dentist makes an incision on the gum tissues around the affected tooth to gain access to the trapped parts of the tooth. The pediatric dentist removes the connective tissues around the tooth, including the bone and gum tissues. The tooth is dislodged and removed, and the gum is sutured closed.
In some cases, the tooth might be lodged firmly within the jawbone, necessitating a more involved surgery. The pediatric dentist will have to cut the bone tissues around the tooth to loosen it. They might also need to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it piecemeal. Once the tooth is removed, the gum tissues can be sutured.
After the wisdom tooth removal, the pediatric dentist will give you a detailed overview of recovery guidelines for your kids to ensure a comfortable and safe recovery. Please contact Nova Children’s Dentistry for more information on wisdom teeth removal in Ashburn & South Riding.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
What is the purpose of wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, were historically used for grinding tough foods, such as roots, meats, and nuts. However, modern diets have made them largely unnecessary. They are considered vestigial and often cause more problems than they solve.
Why do these usually need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth often require removal due to issues like overcrowding, impaction, or misalignment in the mouth. These problems can lead to pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, making extraction a common preventive measure to maintain oral health.
What are the signs and symptoms of wisdom teeth problems?
Common signs of wisdom teeth issues include pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and jaw stiffness. Sometimes, they can cause cysts or infections. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and management of such symptoms.
Will it cause my child future issues to have their wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth removal in South Riding will not lead to long-term issues. In fact, it often prevents potential future problems like impaction or crowding. It’s a proactive step to ensure dental health and comfort in the long run.
What can my child eat after getting wisdom teeth removed?
After wisdom teeth removal, your child should eat soft foods like yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and soups. They should avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that can irritate the surgical site. You can reintroduce solid foods over a few days, following your dentist’s guidance.
