Summer: Fun, Sun, and Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When most people think of summer, they’re thinking of vacations, cookouts, and relaxing in the sun. They typically aren’t thinking about getting their wisdom teeth extracted. But as it turns out, summer may be the ideal time for most people to have this procedure done. We go over the basics of wisdom teeth removal, the extraction procedure, and finally the reason why summer is the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed.
The Basics of Wisdom Teeth
We’ve told you before about the 5 surprising facts about wisdom teeth, but here, we’ll go into the basics. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, all the way in the back, on the top and bottom of the mouth. These teeth typically begin to emerge between the ages of 15 – 20. If a person’s mouth is not large enough to fit the new teeth, then extractions may become necessary.
This overcrowding can cause other teeth to become misaligned. Misalignment and overcrowding is not only painful, but can lead to infection down the road. The other risk that wisdom teeth may pose is the risk of impaction. This occurs when the tooth does not fully emerge, with part of it remaining inside the gums or bone. This circumstance can be painful and leaves the mouth open to infection, cavities, and decay.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
When you’re younger, healing times tend to be faster and complications tend to be fewer. For this reason, it is typically suggested that you have wisdom teeth removed when they begin to emerge. Call our office to determine which options are best for you. Once you decide on the procedure, here are the basics for what you can expect:
- The dentist will provide either a local, twilight sedation or oral sedation prior to the gum tissue removal around the tooth being extracted.
- Any bone covering the tooth will be removed
- The tooth is extracted from the opening and stitches may be added
- Cotton gauze is placed over the extraction point to stop any further bleeding
Why is Summer the Best Time for Tooth Extraction?
The simple answer is that summer tends to ensure that patients have plenty of time for recovery with fewer responsibilities getting in the way.
Because the majority of people having their teeth extracted are younger, summer is an ideal time to have the procedure done. They are home from school and college and so the procedure won’t interfere with their studies. And during this time, they tend to have fewer organized extracurricular activities.
Summer works great for adults as well for many of the same reasons. Summer vacation is a great time to have the procedure without missing work. And with many people leaving town for vacation, there is a better chance of scheduling your wisdom teeth extraction for exactly when you want it.
If your or your teen’s wisdom teeth are causing pain, discomfort, or infections, then it’s important you speak to an oral surgeon at Advanced Dentistry South Florida. The sooner you begin the process, the more you can customize the procedure to your schedule.
If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extraction in Delray Beach, Boca Raton or Boynton Beach, FL please call us at 561-495-2099 to speak with a dental professional or to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you or your teen this summer!
