Are you keeping up with your teen’s dental appointments? Children have some of the same needs as adults, but they also have some additional ones that are specific to them. By sticking close to their oral health team, you give yourself the opportunity to help your child to grow into a healthy and happy smile. One of the most important things to keep an eye on is the development of their wisdom teeth, which can pose serious problems if ignored.
With our caring team at Sunny Smiles, you and your child can be ready for their third set of molars. These evolutionary holdovers can push their existing teeth out of alignment or even cause enamel damage, so be sure to keep them up to date with their checkups. We can use advanced imagery to track their development, and if it’s time for their wisdom teeth to go, we can walk you through the extraction process. Stay on top of their oral health needs by calling our office today to make an appointment.
Can Wisdom Teeth Really Do Much Damage?
The short answer is yes, wisdom teeth can become a real problem for smiles if they are ignored. Parents often have questions about their child’s third and final set of molars, the first of these being, “Why do we even have them in the first place?”
Before humans ate cooked meat, they relied on a stronger and wider jaw in order to generate the necessary chewing power. Over time, our faces have started to slim down, but we still have lasting reminders of this period through our last set of molars. Even though we do not need them, most people still develop them, and it can become an issue. Impacted wisdom teeth can push their current teeth out of alignment, and they can cause damage to their enamel that requires restoration to correct.
Keeping An Eye On Their Third Set Of Molars
So, how do parents ensure that their child stays safe from impacted wisdom teeth? The answer starts with a dedication to their prevention. At their biannual dental checkups, their dentist can take advanced imagery through digital x-rays. This allows them to identify the development stage of their third molars, track their trajectory, and make a plan.
If your dentist determines that your teen needs an extraction of one or more of their wisdom teeth, don’t delay the surgery. While you wait, it could affect the health and appearance of their smile. From their early years through to adulthood, we are here to help them find smile success.
Schedule A Visit With Sunny Smiles
If it has been a while since your teen last saw the dentist, take this time to bring them up to speed. To find out more about their schedule or their wisdom teeth, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX at 915.759.7000.