Many high schoolers end up having their wisdom teeth removed. This is already a difficult time in life, and a dental procedure can complicate matters. Fortunately, there are answers to many questions teens have about removing wisdom teeth.

Is your child about to have their wisdom teeth removed? Here's what they should know about the procedure before the surgery and return to school.

Having Wisdom Teeth Removed Is Normal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, especially for high schoolers. The reason for this is that wisdom teeth often come in late, around the late teen years, and they can cause problems if they don't come in properly. They can crowd other teeth and even become impacted, meaning they grow in at an angle and can't come through the gums correctly.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Isn't as Painful as You Might Think

Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly routine procedure and, as such, isn't as painful as you might think. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the wisdom teeth and most people report feeling only minor discomfort during and after the surgery.

In fact, many people say that the worst part of the whole experience is having to follow the post-operative instructions, which can include eating only soft foods for a few days and avoiding using straws.

You'll Need to Take Time Off from School

Wisdom teeth removal is surgery, so you'll need to take some time off from school to recover. How much time you'll need will depend on how you are feeling and how the surgery goes. In general, most people take at least a day or two off from school and many take a week or more.

If your child is worried about missing school, talk to their teacher in advance and let them know what's going on. Most teachers are understanding and will work with your child to ensure they don't fall behind.

Dentists Recommend Wisdom Teeth Removal

While wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, it's not always necessary. Some people have their wisdom teeth removed because they're causing problems, such as pain or crowding, while others have them removed simply because their dentist recommends it.

If your child's dentist does recommend removing their wisdom teeth, it's usually best to go ahead with the surgery. This is because it's easier to remove wisdom teeth before they cause problems, and the procedure is generally less complicated and less expensive when done at a younger age. 

For more information, contact a local clinic like Conestoga Oral Surgery.