Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Houston, TX

When Do Wisdom
Teeth Emerge?

The majority of people have one or all wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early 20s. The procedure has become so common it is something of a rite of passage for people out of high school. A small portion of people, however, do not have wisdom teeth.

Our ancestors needed an extra set of molars to replace ones they lost chewing tough roots and raw meats. Today, our diet is softer, our dental hygiene is better, and there is rarely enough room in the jaw for the third molars to erupt without issue.

What Can Go Wrong with Wisdom Teeth?

A number of issues can occur as a result of wisdom teeth growing in. They may come in sideways, placing pressure on the adjacent tooth. Tooth crowding and soreness often occurs as a result of impacted wisdom teeth.

When a wisdom tooth only partially comes through, a small flap of skin (called an operculum) may form over the tooth. It is difficult to clean the tooth beneath, and food particles, acids, and bacteria buildup cause infection and decay.

Warning signs of a problematic wisdom tooth include:

• Swelling or discomfort in the back of the mouth
• Partially-erupted wisdom teeth you can see
• A foul odor coming from the back of the mouth
• Swollen shoulder or neck glands
• Headaches

Impacted or infected wisdom teeth do not get better on their own. If you suspect you are dealing with a problem related to third molars, schedule an appointment with the team at Sunrise Dental Center immediately.

Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

With options in sedation dentistry, today’s wisdom tooth removals have never been more comfortable. Your dentist begins the tooth extraction by administering local anesthesia and sedation as desired. Once you are completely relaxed, the procedure can begin.

First, the gums are opened and any excess tissue or bone covering the tooth is removed. If the tooth can be removed in a single piece (rare with wisdom teeth) sutures are not needed. More common is a surgical extraction, in which the tooth is removed in several pieces and stitches close up the gum.

Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Plan to take it easy in the days following your wisdom tooth extraction. Maintain a soft diet (think pudding, soups, and scrambled eggs) and follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to speed through your recovery. If swelling, bleeding, or extreme discomfort persist for more than a few days, let your doctor know.