Many oral surgeons recommend getting your wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 15 and 20. Wisdom teeth typically make their appearance at around this age. Dr. Emery advises that getting your wisdom teeth removed early can be a good idea because they can develop various complications, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Cysts
  • Cavities in wisdom teeth
  • Wisdom teeth impacted beneath the gum, leading to infection
  • Other teeth pushed out of position

Summer is Best for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes time. You will probably need to take a couple of days off work or school to rest after the teeth are taken out. For this reason, many parents of young people choose to schedule wisdom teeth removal during the long summer vacation. This long break from school or college is the perfect time to take it easy during recovery from wisdom teeth removal.

After getting your wisdom teeth removed, you need to stick to a special diet for a few days. Because the back of your mouth will probably be sore, you will be most comfortable eating soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as oatmeal and yogurt. Making homemade smoothies and soups is a good way to include nutritious fruits and vegetables in your diet without making the soreness of the extraction site worse.

Pain after wisdom teeth extraction can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, or by using pain medications prescribed by your oral surgeon. Some pain medications can cause you to feel sick or drowsy, so you will be most comfortable resting at home for a few days after getting your wisdom teeth removed.

Give Yourself Time to Deal With Potential Complications

Normally, you will be feeling much better within just a few days of getting your wisdom teeth removed. However, as with any type of dental surgery, there is a small risk of complications. Scheduling wisdom teeth removal during the long summer break means that you can deal with these complications if they arise without getting behind with your studies.

One of the most common complications of wisdom teeth removal is infection. Although infections are easily treated with antibiotics, they can prolong the recovery period. The main symptom of an infection is swelling that gets worse several days after your teeth are removed. Pus is another common sign of infection. If you have these symptoms, you will probably require a course of antibiotics to help the infection clear up.

Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed: When is Best?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed while you are young is highly recommended by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Having your wisdom teeth extracted will protect you from the very common dental problems associated with wisdom teeth. To minimize the impact on your schooling, schedule the surgery during the long summer vacation. This will give you plenty of time to recover from the extraction procedure and deal with any complications that could arise before you have to return to school.

Download our FREE Smart Guide To Wisdom Teeth to learn even more.

To schedule your wisdom teeth removal consultation contact our office at (202) 386-7100.