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Wisdom Tooth Removal in Houston, TX

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and they can appear in the mouth anywhere between 17 and 21 years of age. When they erupt through the gums properly, they result in improved chewing actions. However, pain may accompany wisdom teeth as well as other issues that make it imperative for their removal. Your Perio Health dentist will only recommend removal of wisdom teeth in certain scenarios, including:

Removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure, so there is nothing to fear. If you need more information about wisdom teeth removal and how it can benefit your oral health, call our office to speak with one of our knowledgeable dental staff members.

When Wisdom Teeth Do Not Fit

Before the emergence of wisdom teeth, most people have 28 teeth in their mouth. These teeth take up all the available space in the gums, so four extra teeth can cause crowding or impaction of wisdom teeth. When teeth become impacted, they may not finish emerging and may also grow in out of alignment. Removal can prevent overcrowding as well as impaction.

Chronic Pain Is Experienced

When your gums are in pain, this can be an indicator of other issues, including infection. Infections are more common in areas near wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted from the gums. This partial growth allows bacteria and food to become trapped and lead to decay developing on nearby teeth and in the gums.

Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Process in Houston

When you trust our dental team with your wisdom tooth extraction, we will strive to provide a comfortable and efficient experience. Our dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and determine if you require extraction surgery. If you do, we will schedule the appointment according to your convenience.

We usually use general anesthesia so that you do not feel discomfort when we pull the third molar out. Our dental expert will start by removing the bone tissue that surrounds the molar with the help of different tools. Then, we might section the tooth into pieces and remove them one by one. After your wisdom tooth removal in our Houston dental clinic is complete, the oral surgeon will rinse the empty socket and stitch the hole close.

Our dental specialist will place the gauze since the socket is an open wound, and it will be bleeding. You should make sure to follow the wisdom teeth aftercare instructions provided by our dentist to ensure a safe and quick recovery!

Teeth Do Not Grow in Straight

When wisdom teeth emerge, there is often not enough room in the mouth to accommodate them. This leads to misalignment in many cases, which causes other teeth to shift out of position. Removing the wisdom teeth can keep teeth from moving out of alignment and reduce discomfort.

Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Decay

Wisdom teeth can cause space to become tighter between teeth, leading to difficulty brushing or flossing properly. This improper oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease if left untreated by our dentist near you. Removal can save teeth from decay that can affect the wisdom tooth itself as well as the tissues and other teeth surrounding the tooth.

Post-Operative Instructions

The extraction site is vulnerable after you undergo tooth removal, and it requires special care for quick recovery. An important aspect of recovery is to ensure that the blood clot develops and does not dislocate. Here are some wisdom tooth removal aftercare instructions our Houston dental team might provide: 

  • Bleeding: It is normal to experience bleeding on the first day. Our dentist will place a gauze pad on the extraction site, and it is crucial to keep it intact for at least 30 minutes after surgery. You can even gently bite down on the gauze to promote clotting!
  • Swelling: You will have swelling after the procedure, but cold compress will help reduce it. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort will reduce thanks to the cold compress!
  • Medication: Our dentist might recommend pain relief and antibiotic medications to prevent infection. Take the medications as prescribed to have a safe recovery!
  • Diet: It is better to switch to a liquid and then soft food diet after your wisdom tooth surgery. Mashed bananas, smoothies, avocado, soups, and Greek yogurt are some foods that the dentist might recommend. You can resume your regular diet once the dentist deems it safe to do so! 
  • Rest: You should rest up after your wisdom tooth extraction — no vigorous exercise, no straining yourself. Just rest up to assist with the healing, and look forward to a painless mouth once again!
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