About Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Children
Children of nearly all ages can experience the pain of wisdom teeth growing through their gum line. Most children are ages 16 to 19 but there are younger children who require wisdom tooth extraction for various reasons. An abscessed tooth at the site is the most common reason for removal of the third molar. The procedure can be done in a dentist's office or a hospital if they are impacted bad enough.
Typically, parents want to know about wisdom teeth extraction in children when their child reaches the age of 15 or so years old. This is when the third molar, as it is sometimes called, will start to rise through the gums. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth will become impacted which means they are coming in sideways and pushing against the other teeth. If wisdom teeth are going to bother someone, they will between the ages of 16 and 19, however, there are younger children with wisdom teeth problems.
The reason for removing wisdom teeth in children is because their mouths are too small to hold the additional four large teeth, two on each side. Another reason for the extraction is braces. Many orthodontists will require that the wisdom teeth be removed before installing braces because the permanent teeth need more room to separate and straighten. But the number one reason to remove wisdom teeth in children is to avoid pain, abscess and tumors, gum diseases and other possible infections that accompany a crowded row of teeth.
An oral surgeon usually takes out the molars in his office under a local anesthetic, however, if the teeth are too far below the gumline, the surgeon may require the child to be checked into a children's hospital for the procedure. Although the majority of kids over 15 can have their wisdom teeth extracted in the oral surgeon's office, he will be able to tell with simple panoramic x-rays as to the depth of the teeth needing removed.
If the patient is particularly unsettled about the procedure, there are additional calming medications the dentist could administer before the procedure. If the child is not cooperating, then it may be time to head to the hospital for the wisdom teeth extractions.