Wisdom teeth usually appear between ages 17-25—but for many teenagers, they bring more trouble than benefit. 9 in 10 people have one or more impacted wisdom teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. For many (but not all) teenagers, that may mean they need wisdom teeth removal.
At Porter Dental Health Clinic in Hot Springs, AR, we help teens and young adults manage wisdom teeth the smart way. With advanced imaging technology and a caring approach, Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren prioritize comfort and long-term oral health, only recommending wisdom teeth removal when it’s truly necessary.
In today’s blog, we’re answering a question we often hear from parents: Will my teen need wisdom teeth removal? The answer can be different for each patient. Read on to find out what it means for your teen.
Why Wisdom Teeth May Need to Go
The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to come in and often don’t have enough space to grow in properly. When they become impacted (stuck under the gums or bone) or partially erupted, where part of the tooth is under the gums or bone, wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, including:
- Pressure on other teeth, causing tooth and jaw pain
- Movement of nearby teeth, leading to misalignment
- Difficulty cleaning the back teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum infections
- Fluid-filled cysts that can harm your jaw and teeth
Not All Wisdom Teeth Cause Trouble
At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we don’t believe in unnecessary procedures. If your teen’s wisdom teeth come in straight, have enough space, and are easy to keep clean, they might not need wisdom teeth extraction.
But, unfortunately, wisdom teeth problems are common. Our team monitors your teen’s wisdom teeth during routine check-ups, so we’re ready to take action if needed.
If there are signs of problems due to wisdom teeth eruption, early removal, often in the late teens, can lead to quicker healing and fewer complications versus waiting for later in life.
What to Expect With Wisdom Tooth Removal
If we recommend extraction, we’ll walk you through each step. Our Hot Springs dental practice uses advanced imaging and gentle techniques to make the process as smooth as possible.
Most teens recover within a few days and get back to normal activities quickly. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your teenager heal comfortably and avoid complications like dry sockets or infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hot Springs, AR
Want peace of mind about your teen’s wisdom teeth? Call Porter Dental Health Clinic at 501-624-2778 to book a consultation today.
