Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
At Johnson Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that wisdom teeth are an important part of your child’s dental growth and development. As teens grow, monitoring their wisdom teeth helps us evaluate how these teeth are developing, identify potential concerns, and determine what care may be needed to protect their long-term oral health.
Dr. Cody Johnson and our team take an individualized approach to wisdom teeth care. Through routine dental exams, appropriate X-rays, and ongoing evaluation, we help families understand their child’s development and make informed decisions about the next steps in their care.
Our goal is to recommend what is best for each patient, whether that means continued monitoring or working with a trusted dental specialist when removal is appropriate.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop. They usually begin to appear between the ages of 15 and 21. Because children and teens are still growing, it is important to have a pediatric dental specialist monitor how these teeth are forming and whether there is enough room for them to come in properly.
Why Monitor Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop. Their position and available space can vary from patient to patient, making it important to monitor their development as children enter their teenage years and beyond.
During your child’s dental visits, we can evaluate factors such as:
Tooth development and position: Assessing how wisdom teeth are forming and whether they appear to be developing normally.
Available space: Evaluating whether there is sufficient room for the teeth to emerge properly.
Impact on neighboring teeth: Looking for signs that developing wisdom teeth may affect nearby teeth or surrounding structures.
Potential concerns: Identifying signs of impaction, inflammation, decay, or other issues that may warrant further evaluation.
Monitoring these changes over time allows us to help families understand their child’s oral health and determine when additional care may be beneficial.
Does Your Teen Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not every patient needs wisdom teeth removed. The appropriate course of action depends on the position and development of the teeth, the patient’s symptoms, and the potential impact on their oral health.
At Johnson Pediatric Dentistry, we evaluate each patient’s individual needs and discuss our findings with parents and patients. If we identify concerns that may require treatment beyond routine monitoring, we can recommend further evaluation by an appropriate dental specialist.
We may recommend wisdom teeth removal for your child or teen if:
- The wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped under the gums or bone)
- There is not enough space in the mouth for them to erupt
- They are growing in at an angle that could damage other teeth
- We see signs of infection, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth
- They are causing ongoing pain, swelling, or jaw discomfort
- They make it too difficult to brush and floss, increasing cavity risk
Because children and teens heal more quickly and the jawbone is softer at younger ages, removing problematic wisdom teeth earlier can often mean an easier recovery.
Working Together for Your Child’s Dental Health
Wisdom teeth care can involve collaboration between a patient’s general dentist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon. Each provider plays an important role in helping patients maintain healthy smiles.
At Johnson Pediatric Dentistry, we value these professional relationships and believe coordinated care helps families receive the most appropriate treatment for their needs.
When wisdom teeth concerns arise, we can share our findings, discuss potential next steps, and recommend consultation with the appropriate specialist when indicated. If removal is recommended, the treating specialist can evaluate the case and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
By working together, dental professionals can help ensure that decisions about wisdom teeth are made with the patient’s overall oral health and well-being in mind.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
If your child is approaching their teen years or you have questions about their developing wisdom teeth, Johnson Pediatric Dentistry can help assess their dental development and discuss any concerns.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment. We are proud to support growing smiles throughout St. George and Southern Utah, helping families make informed decisions about their children’s oral health.
Call Johnson Pediatric Dentistry at 435-628-0511 to schedule an appointment.