We’ve all heard about those infamous wisdom teeth and the tales of pain and discomfort they can bring. But luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re one of the many people facing the possibility of having your wisdom teeth removed, fear not! The procedure is far less intimidating once you understand it better. And if you schedule wisdom teeth removal during school holidays, the recovery period tends to be far more bearable for both parents and children.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of our mouths. They usually make their appearance during the late teenage years or early twenties. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but those who do can face various issues due to a lack of space.
Why Schedule the Surgery During School Holidays?
For parents considering the procedure for their teenage children, wisdom teeth removal during school holidays can have several advantages:
Ample Recovery Time
Wisdom teeth extraction may require a few days of downtime to allow patients to heal. Scheduling wisdom teeth removal during school holidays gives your child time to rest and recover without missing important school days or falling behind in their studies.
Avoiding Academic Stress
The pressure of tests, assignments and daily school routines can add more stress to an uneasy situation. By opting for school holidays, your child can focus on resting, without academic responsibilities lingering in the back of their minds.
Convenient Monitoring
During the initial days following the surgery, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your child’s recovery. While they are at home during school holidays you can provide the necessary care and make sure they follow post-operative instructions.
The Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is a relatively common surgical procedure performed by oral surgeons or dentists. The process typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation where the surgeon examines your mouth, reviews X-rays and discusses your symptoms and concerns. A consultation helps doctors to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed and how extensive the procedure will be.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before the procedure, staff will provide you with a set of instructions to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. This may include avoiding food and liquids for a certain period prior to the surgery and arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home afterwards. If you schedule your wisdom teeth removal during school holidays, there should be plenty of time to properly prepare for surgery.
Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort, the dentist or oral surgeon will administer a suitable type of anesthesia. This could be sedation anesthesia, which means you won’t feel any pain and will only have limited memory of the extraction. You could also opt for general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep throughout the procedure.
The Extraction
Once you are sedated or asleep, your surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom teeth. They will make a small incision if necessary, remove the tooth and suture the site. The complexity of the extraction will depend on the position and orientation of the teeth.
Recovery
After the procedure, the hospital staff will advise you on the best ways to speed up recovery. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days. But you will receive everything you need to manage your pain and maintain proper oral care during the healing process.
You will not be able to eat solid food for a few days, so make sure to stock up on suitable snacks and soups beforehand!
Wisdom teeth removal might sound rough, but it’s actually a routine procedure that can improve oral health and prevent pain and complications in the future. Remember, consulting with a medical professional is essential if you’re looking for the best course of action. Contact Centurion Day Hospital if you or your child are experiencing wisdom teeth-related issues, or book a consultation online today to ensure you find a space during the school holidays!
