It’s not uncommon for parents to be taken aback when a pediatric dentist mentions wisdom teeth. Those are the sort of things you worry about in college, or later. But here’s the thing: being able to catch the signs early on, particularly during those years of rapid formation, can make a world of difference.
And in Idaho Falls, where family-centered dental care is the norm, a lot of parents are hearing this conversation sooner than they expected.
Pediatric Dentistry And The Wisdom Teeth Timeline
Pediatric dentistry is about more than just baby teeth. It addresses the full range of a child’s dental growth, including those slow-poke molars we call wisdom teeth. Although they typically emerge when you are in your late teens and early twenties, wisdom teeth can begin forming much sooner.
So when it’s your kid’s first visit and it starts with X-rays, a kids’ dentist may look way into the back of the mouth and say, “Looks like the wisdom teeth are starting to develop.” It can feel like skipping ahead a few chapters, but it is normal.
And it’s wise to think ahead, particularly when it can help prevent long-term complications.
So, Exactly How Many Wisdom Teeth Are There?
The answer? Usually four. However, some people have less, or even none at all. Details on this are ambiguous and may vary for each person. A child may have two perfectly placed wisdom teeth that never cause a problem, while one of mine had all four come in crooked or impacted.
An impacted wisdom tooth does not fully erupt through the gums. Sometimes it becomes stuck under the surrounding bone, pressing against the nearby teeth, or even develops into a fluid filled sac (cyst). That can cause problems you wouldn’t expect from such a small, hidden tooth.
This is where a pediatric dental practitioner can benefit you. They monitor how those back molars are coming in and can catch problems early.
Watch The Signs: When Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Not all children will have difficulty when wisdom teeth begin to shift. But there are certainly warning signs to watch out for. Extreme pain in the back of the mouth, swollen gums, pressure on other teeth, or even headaches can be symptoms.
In rare instances, a young patient will need a filling in a partially erupted wisdom tooth, as it’s difficult to brush something that is only half covered by gum tissue. Left untreated, that decay can spread or trigger a flare-up of gum disease that can play a role in overall oral health.
The risk also extends to the status quo. Picture going through years of braces, only to find that a molar that arrived late to the game has begun to upend the whole setup. It’s the reason many Idaho falls families choose a proactive approach.
When and Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Timing matters. Although it may be tempting to wait longer, particularly if the feet appear fine, a wait-and-see approach may result in more complex procedures later on. Extracting these teeth in late adolescence, before their roots have fully formed, can make healing faster and less risky.
Depending on the location and development of the impacted tooth, some soft tissue and bone are removed, the jawbone is smoothened, and the tooth is taken out either with local anesthesia in simple cases or with general anesthesia in more complicated ones.
What Happens After the Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
Care after the operation makes a difference in how well the recovery goes. The site of surgery requires time, rest, and tender care. One of the biggest post-extraction risks is a condition called dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot that protects the healing area is dislodged. It is painful and can really get in the way of healing.
To reduce the risk? Do not rinse vigorously, spit, or use straws during the first couple of days. Keep the area clean, but gently.
And, yes, don’t eat any hard or crunchy foods while you heal. Soft foods, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt will be your best friends for a couple of days.
Idaho Falls Parents: Questions For Your First Visit
Although wisdom teeth aren’t an immediate issue, that’s okay to mention them during your child’s first visit. A great pediatric dentist defends this mindset. Inquire about the timing of when they developed the project. Note whether imaging reveals early signs of crowding or misalignment obligations. And, most crucially, ask what the dentist is looking for and why.
Your child may never need any help of this kind, or not for years, but early knowledge of what might lie ahead can only give you more options.
And let’s face it, by the time your teenager has their wisdom teeth out, you’re going to want to feel right about it.
A Little More On Wisdom Teeth And Developing Smiles
Wisdom teeth are a complicated area where no one-size-fits-all answer applies. Others make it through the entire process and never have an extraction. Others suffer from multiple infections or discomfort, and their other teeth or bite can be compromised, as well.
That’s where pediatric dentistry shines, by building a relationship with a trusted kids dentist who knows your child’s history, who notices subtle changes, and who doesn’t rush into surgery just because it’s routine.
Sometimes an early referral to an oral surgeon may be the best choice, especially if the impacted wisdom teeth are pressing on bone or threatening the nearby teeth. In some cases, a watch-and-wait strategy might be the most appropriate.
And indeed, it is a question, how many wisdom teeth your child has. But what matters even more is finding out what those teeth are up to, and whether they are doing damage.
The Bottom Line
Your kid’s oral health is a long game. Above all, knowledge is power, and being on top of things like wisdom teeth during routine dentist visits gives you the power to make educated, timely decisions.
If you live in Idaho Falls, you have access to knowledgeable professionals who focus on gentle care and thorough examination. So feel free to discuss further wisdom teeth plans, even if they are not urgent at the moment.
For everything from a routine X-ray to a slight worry or being ready for wisdom tooth extraction, it’s always better to know what’s ahead of you than to scurry at the last minute.
Eagle Rock Dental Care in Idaho Falls is here to help every step of the way. Whether it’s preventive checkups or preparing for wisdom teeth removal, their friendly team ensures your family receives the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today and give your child a confident, healthy smile for the future.
