You probably already know that most teens and young adults end up having to remove their wisdom teeth. According to the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, 9 out of every 10 people have at least 1 impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, severe infection, pain and damage to adjacent teeth. You may not know that many people over the age of 40 end up having to remove one or all of their wisdom teeth as well. It’s not that removing 3rd molars later in life cannot be done, it’s just that the procedure can be more difficult and can carry a higher risk than when it’s done at a younger age. So, instead of waiting until there is a problem, it is recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth before the age of 30. Most oral surgeons will tell you that removing wisdom teeth in the teenage years offers even more benefits. We routinely see patients after the age of 14 for wisdom teeth evaluation, but at times in patients younger than that.
We usually recommend a consultation before scheduling the procedure. During the consultation, we can review what is to be expected and go over some of the pre- and post-surgical tips that help to make the experience smoother. By coming in for a pre-surgical consultation, you and your loved ones will be able to fully hear the risks and benefits and any alternatives that you may have, and this can be done in a relaxed, informative setting that will not require to you make a rushed decision. The pre-surgical consultation also provides patients time to prepare for their procedure. The consultation can be done at any time and we will make every effort to accommodate your schedule Scheduling a consultation early not only helps to alleviate a patient’s concerns, but helps to prepare for the upcoming procedure.
For most patients, having their wisdom teeth leads to minimal post-operative pain and recovery is often speedy and smooth. While most people are able to return to regular activity within a few days of the procedure, occasionally a patient will see a slightly extended recovery period. Unless a patient is symptomatic, they have the option to choose a time that works best for them so that even if they experience an extended recovery there will be ample time to accommodate. For students, scheduling the procedure during the summer break is often the most convenient time.
At Heart of Texas Oral OMS, we are board certified oral surgeons with extensive training in wisdom tooth removal and beyond. Our team members take pride in their continuing education, many of whom have advanced certification and training that goes well beyond what you will see in a dental office. We have 3 convenient locations that serve more than 7 counties in and around Austin.
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