Wisdom Tooth Screening And Process

Getting your wisdom teeth removed early is important because it can prevent a host of dental problems that often arise as these teeth develop. When wisdom teeth emerge, they frequently cause overcrowding, misalignment, and can be difficult to clean, leading to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Early removal reduces the chances of these complications and the need for more complex dental procedures later. Additionally, younger patients typically experience faster recovery times and fewer complications compared to older adults, making early extraction a safer and more efficient option.

For these reasons, starting at age 13 all patients will have a CT taken. If they are due for a pano the CT will suffice. Taking the CT will also reset both the recall for Wisdom tooth CT as well as Pano. This will be repeated every 2 years until the teeth are ready for extraction. The recall should be removed from the patient once the teeth are removed. This is to be done by the surgical team.

Surgical team lead will work with Dr. Shawn and determine if it is time for removal, or if we should wait for another 2 years. A quick consult will happen with the surgical lead in hygiene and the patient will be encouraged to schedule.