Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of the mouth. They usually show up between the ages of 15 and 25. Most dentists check them between ages 16 and 19 to see if there’s enough room for them.

Many people don’t have enough space in their mouths for these extra teeth. When there’s not enough room, wisdom teeth can cause pain and other problems. That’s why dentists often recommend having them removed.

Signs your child may need their wisdom teeth removed:

• Mouth or jaw pain
• Mouth infection
• Face swelling
• Swollen gums in the back of the mouth

Removing them early can help prevent serious problems, like damaging nearby teeth or bone. If wisdom teeth remain in place too long or fail to grow in properly, they become impacted. This means they become trapped or are unable to come in as they should.

This can lead to:

• Buildup of bacteria and plaque
• Gum infections
• Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs
• Tumors
• Jaw or gum disease

Most dental experts recommend removing wisdom teeth before problems start.

During the procedure, the dental team will:

• Remove the gum tissue around the tooth
• Gently loosen the tooth from the bone
• Take out the tooth and close the area with stitches

Removal of wisdom teeth usually occurs in a dentist's office, using medicine called local anesthesia to numb the mouth. If your child feels very nervous, the dentist or oral surgeon can talk with you about other options.

Our experts have advanced training to care for kids who need wisdom teeth removed.

Expert care for all: Our team knows how to care for all kids in a safe and kind way. This includes those with delays, sensory issues or health conditions.

All-in-one services: We offer complete dental care. From cleanings and checkups to surgery and braces, we do it all.

Hospital care: When needed, we can provide safe dental care with sleep medicine at our top-ranked children’s hospital.