The new school year is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to make sure your child has everything he or she needs to be prepared for the first day of classes — including a clean bill of oral health. Families in the Anchorage, AK, area rely on Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska for oral pathology and cosmetic dental care. Under the guidance of Dr. William F. Bergeron Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway, this oral surgery facility provides services ranging from sedation dentistry to wisdom teeth removal, ensuring the health and well-being of patients of all ages.

By the time children reach their teenage years, they are likely to have lost their primary teeth but might not be done growing permanent teeth. Many teenagers feel their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, begin to emerge and develop roots. Because the human mouth often can accommodate just 28 permanent teeth comfortably, the emergence of four more teeth can lead to serious oral health complications, including crowding, tooth decay, and impaction. The teenage years are an ideal time for wisdom teeth removal because the wisdom teeth have not fully taken root in your child’s jaw. This makes the procedure simpler and puts your child at a decreased risk for complications during surgery.

If your family’s dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal for your child, consider scheduling the procedure during the summer. This will allow your child to undergo surgery and recovery without missing school. Summer break provides ample time for your child to rest, which promotes healing and makes it easier to schedule follow-up appointments.

If your child experiences complications or a slower recovery, scheduling wisdom teeth removal during the summer will allow your child to visit the oral surgeon without having to miss class. Some prescription pain medications and diet modifications following the procedure can leave your child feeling tired or unable to focus, so taking care of it during the school break will ensure these reactions won’t have a negative impact on academic performance. Best of all, undergoing wisdom teeth removal during the summer means your child’s swelling will be gone in time for picture day — that’s something to smile about.

Visit Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska online to learn more about the facility’s staff and to download important patient forms. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.