Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Houston, TX

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that grow during your late teens or early 20s. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have fewer or none. People who do not have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to develop often experience problems from overcrowding.

If you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to erupt correctly, you may experience an impacted wisdom tooth. This is when the tooth is stuck in the gums and can’t grow normally. Impacted teeth can be very painful and lead to problems like infections and abscesses. Some cases of impacted wisdom teeth require oral surgery to remove the tooth from the jawbone entirely. If you have issues with your wisdom teeth, such as pain or trouble eating, contact our team at A+ Dental Specialists for a consultation to see if you need to have them removed.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

You will be given anesthesia on the extraction day to ensure a painless procedure. The type of anesthesia used can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist or oral surgeon will begin the extraction process.

If the tooth is fully erupted, the dentist can use forceps to remove it. However, if the tooth is impacted, an incision may be made in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Sometimes, a small amount of bone around the tooth may also need to be removed. After the tooth is extracted, the dentist may use stitches to close the incision, if necessary. Gauze pads are then placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and facilitate clot formation.

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to fully emerge or align properly with the other teeth. They may become partially or fully impacted, trapped beneath the gum line or in the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent these complications. 

Teeth Crowding and Shifting

The eruption of wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the neighboring teeth, causing them to become crowded or shift out of alignment. This can affect the bite and overall alignment of the teeth. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent these issues and maintain proper alignment.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. As a result, they are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent these oral health problems and the associated pain and discomfort. 

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays are essential for monitoring the development and position of wisdom teeth. For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit A+ Dental Specialists at 9968 Bellaire Blvd, Ste 170, Houston, TX 77036, or call (713) 774-2100.