For Parents
Help Your Child With Their Procedure
Get Wisdom Teeth Advice for Parents in New York
Your teen's wisdom teeth may begin erupting as early as age 16 or 17. If they're causing pain or other problems, it might be time for them to come out. At Mid-Manhattan Oral Surgery, we understand that parents in New York want the best care for their children during this important milestone. We're here to guide both you and your teen through every step, ensuring they get the care they need.
Benefits of having your teen's wisdom teeth removed include:
- Prevention of orthodontic problems that could undo years of braces or aligners
- Reduced risk of painful infections that can affect school attendance and activities
- Easier dental hygiene, since wisdom teeth are notorious for trapping food and bacteria
- Protection of nearby healthy teeth from damage caused by crowding
- Elimination of jaw pain and headaches that can interfere with studying and sports
- Less chance of emergency surgery being needed during important events like college
Prepare Your Teen for Their Appointment
Before your teen's wisdom teeth removal, we'll need your assistance with some important preparation steps. If they're receiving IV sedation, no food or drinks are allowed for eight hours before surgery. Your child should wear comfortable clothing without jewelry, and avoid wearing nail polish. They'll need to remove contact lenses and secure long hair if necessary.
Please inform us about any medications your teen takes, and contact our office if they develop a cold before surgery. Remember, you'll need to remain with them during the appointment and drive them home afterward. These preparation steps help ensure a smooth, safe procedure.
Follow These Post-Surgery Tips
After your teen's wisdom teeth procedure, we'll give you specific instructions for managing their comfort. We typically suggest giving them their first pain medication before the numbness wears off, then continuing as needed according to our instructions. If their discomfort doesn't improve, just give us a call for guidance.
For the first few days, stick to foods that don't need chewing, like yogurt, smoothies, and applesauce. As your teen starts feeling better, you can add soft foods like scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes to their menu. They'll need to avoid crunchy or hard foods until they're fully healed, but most teens are back to their normal eating habits within a week.
Contact Mid-Manhattan Oral Surgery today for more information for parents in New York or to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth by Parents
How do I know if my teen needs their wisdom teeth removed?
Your child's dentist will usually spot wisdom teeth concerns during regular checkups and X-rays. Common signs include pain at the back of the mouth, swollen gums, headaches, or jaw discomfort. Some teens might not have symptoms, but removal may still be recommended to prevent future problems like crowding or infection.
Is wisdom teeth removal really necessary if my child isn't in pain?
Even without pain, wisdom teeth can cause serious problems over time. They may damage neighboring teeth, lead to infections, or create alignment issues that affect previous orthodontic work. Early removal is often easier and has a smoother recovery than waiting until problems develop.
What kind of aftercare will my child need at home?
Your teen will need help managing ice packs, taking medications on schedule, and preparing soft foods for the first few days. They'll need to avoid straws and spitting, keep the surgical sites clean, and use saltwater rinses as directed. Most important, they'll need you to monitor their recovery.