Summer is the perfect time to schedule wisdom teeth evaluation and removal since school is not in session. You may find this hard to believe, but not everyone needs to have wisdom teeth extracted. The necessity for having the teeth removed is often created when a person’s mouth is too small to accommodate four more teeth. Often your dental health is enhanced when the wisdom teeth are removed early to avoid the crowding that may occur to your other teeth. Dr. Petrusha advises all youth, aged 15 -18, to have an exam, including X-Rays, to determine whether the procedure will be necessary. He will be able to see the path the wisdom teeth are taking, if they are coming in straight, if there is room for them, and if they are likely to displace any other teeth. Based on what he sees, he will recommend a course of action.
Wisdom tooth extraction is not a lengthy procedure, but the patient may require IV sedation. If the case is complicated or the patient desires or requires IV sedation, Dr. Petrusha will refer the case to an oral surgeon. If the case is to be performed in our office we will review the patient’s medical history, explain the procedure, and possible complications with post-operative instructions. After the procedure the patient will want to follow a soft diet and relax for 1-4 days, depending on the length of the procedure.