Seems so young to have wisdom teeth removed! UPDATE-post 41

[Tiffann4k]

The biggest thing you don't want to happen is dry socket. That really hurts!
Deb

Majorly agree here!! Although I was 23, 24 ? When I had only one wisdom tooth pulled it was the worst thing for me. I guess I had one of the hardest tooth to come out ( they called it something a level something or other..lol) but anyhow normally they dont put people to sleep for just one tooth but I told them that if they didnt I wouldnt have it done...they decided they would. For some reason I have trouble getting my left side numbed no matter how many shots they give me so there was no way I was going to attempt that while getting a tooth out. So anyhow they put me to sleep and it was rough getting my tooth out, they had so much problems that they sliced my cheek open and had to stitch it back up. The first day all I did was sleep and bleed. Then I got dry socket for the next two weeks and had to go and get my tooth packed every few days, it was horrible! Give me a root canal or make me give birth with no pain killers before I will ever go through that again, thank goodness I only had one wisdom tooth that was coming in. It also never gave me any problems other than it was shifting my teeth which I never noticed..lol

 

[luvflorida]

My DS was 14. They were taking up space he needed for the teeth he was going to keep and needed to come out before his braces went on. We were all very worried about the procedure, but his recovery was really fast and problem free. It makes perfect sense to me to take them out before spending $5,000 on orthodontia if they are going to be a problem down the road.

Glad to hear your son had a fast, problem free recovery! I'll have to tell that to my daughter!

My daughter had a lot of dental work done when she was only ten. She had to have four teeth pulled before her braces went on. The oral surgeon also did a procedure where he cut into her gums and attached tiny gold chains to her adult eye teeth to help pull them down and into place with her other teeth. The other ends of the chains were attached to the arch wire on her braces, and every few months the dentist would shorten the chains just enough to keep them pulling on the teeth. She had top and bottom braces on for almost four years.

I guess I figured she was done with dental work! She is NOT looking forward to having all four wisdom teeth removed.

 

[helenabear]

My wisdom teeth were totally in when I was 14 years old on the bottom and mostly in on the top. I waited until I was 19 to get them out and I wish I hadn't waited so long. I had no need to get them out other than they were way in the bad and I have a bad history of weak enamel so we were afraid that I'd have to get htem filled. Plus, as the top ones came in completely, it got in the way of my brass playing (cuts on the side of the mouth) After a year of numbing and cutting in, I decided it was time.

I say get them out when you can, I still have little bumps from where I know they used to be. The surgeon said if I had them out earlier it wouldn't have happened so severely.

I had straight pulls so I didn't run the risk of dry socket as many people do since there wasn't anything to dig into. I just rinsed my mouth as needed and was cautious on what I ate and how I did for a little while. I also only had one stitch on either side (only two little incisions to make sure the gums didn't tear on their own) on the bottom row, so I didn't have stitches on the top even like others usually have.

I'd say age isn't that big of a deal. It wasn't awful for me at all. I was up and at a graduation party later that night. Hardly any pain at all for me!

 

[luvflorida]

I have to have mine out soon I don't do the dentist. Just, stay out of my mouth. I've had oral surgery before, to bring down a tooth that wanted to come down in the roof of my mouth, but that was with just novacane. I'm freaked out. But the days on the couch watching MTV and eathing soft foods seems nice. If only I could get that and keep my teeth.

Your DD and I are in the same boat, I'm pullin' for her

Do you know when you're having yours removed? If you could, please post an update when you have it done. I'd love to hear all about your experience. Hopefully, all will go well for you and my daughter.

 

[Twinkles6892]

Do you know when you're having yours removed? If you could, please post an update when you have it done. I'd love to hear all about your experience. Hopefully, all will go well for you and my daughter.

Of course! I don't know if it will be in the next 4-6 weeks though. I'm hoping it wont be until summer, so I wont have to miss school (I'm a freaky 16 year old, I know) But I didn't spend 4 years with metal in my mouth to have it messed up by some stupid extra teeth.

 

[Minnesota!]

I had mine out at 15, as well.

 

[scrump]

I was 13. All four were impacted.

 

[mtemm]

I remember my sisters had theirs out in high school (I was lucky and was born without them). my dh still has him in (he's 35) and since they've grown in well he has no desire to have them out, even though every dentist appt. he has they try to talk him into it.

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

and they weren't even teeth yet, just bone buds on a x-ray, but there was no way my orthodontist was going to even let them grow into teeth. Just letting them grow would have screwed up the years of orthdontiary I had already gone through.

Went into the hospital, and a surgeon removed them. Spent the night in the hospital and then spent a week at home waiting for my square head to round out again.

Of course this was all in 1979 or 1980. I doubt the insurance companies would let it happen the same way today.

 

[sleepyone]

Please do your dd a favor and have them removed. The dentist said I needed mine removed when I was around 15 but, our insurance wouldn't cover it (enough).

Mine were so painful I dreaded eating. Also, I did have perfectly straight teeth until my wisdom teeth started pushing my teeth together. I have one tooth that isn't perfectly aligned with the others.

I absolutely had to have them removed as a young adult, I just paid full price myself because of the pain. The pain from surgery wasn't nearly as bad as the pain from the teeth. It was immediate relief for me.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I had mine out at 16 and they were coming in.

 

[laurietg]

I had 3 wisdom teeth removed last year-I was 29. They weren't bothering me, but my surgeon said if the longer I wait, the more difficult the recovery would be. My face ballooned to twice the size after surgery. The pain was really bad. He said if I had done it 10-15 years earlier, it would have been a totally different experience. Get them done now!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I had no idea that it was something done this young, especially under the age of 16!

Do you think it makes for a quicker recovery time? I'm guessing that if the teeth are impacted, (two of hers are), that it might take longer to recover?

What about resuming activities? DD15 dances 9/10 hours a week and is on a competitive dance team. I'm going to meet with the oral surgeon to discuss all this, but it's helpful, and reassuring, to hear from people who have teens who have experienced this, or from those of you who have had wisdom teeth removed at this age.

Thanks so much for all your replies!

Schedule on a thursday or friday then she will have the weekend to recover.

I had my out at 18---I FORGOT TO EAT!!! Ended up passing out that night. I slept in for fear of the procedure (it was late afternoon) and had no food in my body. And the meds (nice meds btw) were too strong to be had on an empty stomach.

So I would recommend eating as late as possible (up to whenever they say to stop) so that the medications will react better with her body.

Gives her the weekend to recover. And a few days to hide her chipmunk cheeks until they go down a little bit.

They are probably saving you $$$ by having them out now as the problems it could cause by leaving them in could be not so good.

 

[luvflorida]

Please do your dd a favor and have them removed.

We have a consultation scheduled for March 3rd, with the oral surgeon. After that, we'll have a better idea of what will be involved. I know she has to have all four removed, but I want to know more about the procedure and recovery.

I'm hoping we can schedule the surgery for a Thursday or Friday, as many posters have mentioned, so she won't miss too much school or dance.

I'd love to hear from more of you who have gone through this, especially concerning recovery. Thanks so much and thanks to everyone who has responded.

 

[HoneyPooh]

Hi! Following is a cut and paste from our forms file at work of what we give the parents on the way out after the surgery. Hope it helps. I'm sure your daughter will be just fine. The biggies are NO STRAWS AND NO SPITTING, it will disturb the blood clot forming and dry socket is vicious. Also, make sure she eats something as soon as the gauze comes out so she can have meds by the time the numbness wears off with a minimum of upset stomach. Even if she doesn't feel like eating, get something in her. Good luck!


Care of the Mouth Following Oral Surgery

General Instructions:
1. Bite Down on Gauze until _________________. (we tell them 1 hour)
2. Do not disturb the tooth socket. You may irritate it, infect it or start bleeding.
3. Rinse your mouth after every meal starting the day following surgery, with ¼ tsp. salt to a glass of warm water. Rinse for one week.
4. For pain take tablets as directed.
5. Take foods as tolerated. Soft foods are suggested for the first several days. Nothing too hot! Drink lots of fluids.
6. Do not over-exert as this may cause bleeding and a throbbing pain.
7. Smokers are advised not to smoke for at least 24 hours after surgery.
8. After general anesthesia, Nausea will usually be terminated by taking one ounce of carbonated water every hour for 5 to 6 hours. Lie very still. Follow with tea or soup.
Bleeding:
Slight bleeding for a short time after the operation is expected and may persist until the next day. However, if there is more than just oozing the following procedure will help control it.
1. If necessary, wipe all blood clots out with a facial tissue or gauze pad, and gently rinse your mouth with cool water.
2. Take a large amount of gauze or two tea bags moistened with cool water and place over bleeding area and close jaws applying firm constant pressure for one hour.
3. Remain quiet in a sitting position.
4. If necessary, repeat the above steps until bleeding is controlled.
After these directions have been followed in detail, if there is any persistent pain or bleeding please do not hesitate to call the office.

Special Instructions:
1. Apply ice bag to jaw 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first _____hours. (we tell them 2 hours)
2. Do not be alarmed regarding any swelling or discoloration as it is a natural reaction of the body to surgery and does not necessarily indicate infection.
3. Do not be concerned about the sutures we have placed in the gum tissue to control bleeding and hasten healing as they will be removed painlessly or fall out on their own depending on the type of suture used. The grayish color of the blood clot is normal.
4. Occasionally a numb sensation will occur. It is usually temporary in nature and normal feeling will return.
5. Take prescribed medication as directed.
6. Leave immediate dentures in mouth until return visit.
7. You should rest at home at least two days following surgery.
8. Use Vaseline ointment for your lips
9. Do not rinse or spit today.
10. Do not use any type of mouthwash today.
11. Do not drink from a straw for three days.

Attention
Medications prescribed for pain and sedation may cause drowsiness, which will be increased by the use of alcohol or other drugs. You are advised to avoid operating any vehicle or dangerous devices while taking this medication.

 

[luvflorida]

Hi! Following is a cut and paste from our forms file at work of what we give the parents on the way out after the surgery. Hope it helps. I'm sure your daughter will be just fine. The biggies are NO STRAWS AND NO SPITTING, it will disturb the blood clot forming and dry socket is vicious. Also, make sure she eats something as soon as the gauze comes out so she can have meds by the time the numbness wears off with a minimum of upset stomach. Even if she doesn't feel like eating, get something in her. Good luck!


Care of the Mouth Following Oral Surgery

General Instructions:
1. Bite Down on Gauze until _________________. (we tell them 1 hour)
2. Do not disturb the tooth socket. You may irritate it, infect it or start bleeding.
3. Rinse your mouth after every meal starting the day following surgery, with ¼ tsp. salt to a glass of warm water. Rinse for one week.
4. For pain take tablets as directed.
5. Take foods as tolerated. Soft foods are suggested for the first several days. Nothing too hot! Drink lots of fluids.
6. Do not over-exert as this may cause bleeding and a throbbing pain.
7. Smokers are advised not to smoke for at least 24 hours after surgery.
8. After general anesthesia, Nausea will usually be terminated by taking one ounce of carbonated water every hour for 5 to 6 hours. Lie very still. Follow with tea or soup.
Bleeding:
Slight bleeding for a short time after the operation is expected and may persist until the next day. However, if there is more than just oozing the following procedure will help control it.
1. If necessary, wipe all blood clots out with a facial tissue or gauze pad, and gently rinse your mouth with cool water.
2. Take a large amount of gauze or two tea bags moistened with cool water and place over bleeding area and close jaws applying firm constant pressure for one hour.
3. Remain quiet in a sitting position.
4. If necessary, repeat the above steps until bleeding is controlled.
After these directions have been followed in detail, if there is any persistent pain or bleeding please do not hesitate to call the office.

Special Instructions:
1. Apply ice bag to jaw 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first _____hours. (we tell them 2 hours)
2. Do not be alarmed regarding any swelling or discoloration as it is a natural reaction of the body to surgery and does not necessarily indicate infection.
3. Do not be concerned about the sutures we have placed in the gum tissue to control bleeding and hasten healing as they will be removed painlessly or fall out on their own depending on the type of suture used. The grayish color of the blood clot is normal.
4. Occasionally a numb sensation will occur. It is usually temporary in nature and normal feeling will return.
5. Take prescribed medication as directed.
6. Leave immediate dentures in mouth until return visit.
7. You should rest at home at least two days following surgery.
8. Use Vaseline ointment for your lips
9. Do not rinse or spit today.
10. Do not use any type of mouthwash today.
11. Do not drink from a straw for three days.

Attention
Medications prescribed for pain and sedation may cause drowsiness, which will be increased by the use of alcohol or other drugs. You are advised to avoid operating any vehicle or dangerous devices while taking this medication.

HoneyPooh- Thanks so much for taking the time to post! I appreciate all the info you provided!

 

[HoneyPooh]

No problem! Tell your daughter I said good luck and try not to worry to much.

 

[luvflorida]

Well, we had the consultation last Friday with the oral surgeon. He went over the x-rays with us and showed us that all four of daughter's wisdom teeth are impacted. He also said something about the top two teeth being incased in bone. Daughter is scheduled to have the teeth out on Friday, March 24th. She will have an IV and general anesthesia.

She'll have the weekend to recover, but I'm thinking she may not be ready to return to school the following Monday. Her major concern, though, is missing dance classes, not school!

If anyone else would like to share their recovery process, I'd be more than happy to hear it!! Thanks so much!!

 

[mickeysgal]

We've been advised that DS16 needs to have all 4 of his removed. He currently has braces. We haven't made our oral surgeon appt yet. Can they safely do this with braces or should we wait until they're off this December? Should we have them done one side at a time or all 4 at once?

 

[sleepyone]

Mine were impacted and two were growing side-ways. I had all four removed at the same time. I would have hated going under anesthesia more than once for it. For me, I felt relief when mine were removed because the pain before was so bad. I didn't even take any pain pills afterward. I didn't get dry socket or anything. It just felt odd for a while with the feeling of holes in the back of my mouth. I know everyone's recovery is different and people react to pain differently and your dd may not have the same recovery.

Best of luck what ever you decide to do.