Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Houston, TX
 Most of us possess a set of third molars commonly known as wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically erupt much later than other permanent teeth, which can cause problems for your oral health. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, we specialize in wisdom teeth extractions to prevent or alleviate these potential problems.
Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth
Due to biological evolution and societal progress, most people no longer need a set of third molars. In many cases, there simply isn't enough room left in the jaw to accommodate wisdom teeth. This may result in several complications, including:
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Damage: Wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle that damages the surrounding teeth.
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Decay: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding issues, making your teeth much harder to brush and floss. This often results in tooth decay.
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Gum Disease: Crowded teeth will also increase your risk of gum (periodontal) disease due to difficulty with proper flossing.
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Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth occur when there is not enough room in the ridge to erupt above the gumline. This is a common complication for wisdom teeth, as they do not surface until the later teenage years. |
Soft tissue impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth remains completely covered by the gum tissue. Bone impaction occurs when a portion of the tooth remains stuck in the jawbone, even though some of the crowns may be showing through the gums. The most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:
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Tender or swollen gums
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Red or bleeding gums
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Pain or swelling in the jaw
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Persistent bad breath
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Difficulty opening or closing your jaw
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A persistent and unpleasant taste in your mouth |
Wisdom Teeth Removal
The extraction of impacted wisdom teeth typically takes place during a single appointment. We will begin the process with a local anesthetic, which numbs the area and eliminates pain. We also offer sedation dentistry to provide a more comfortable experience for you or your teenager.
Once the patient is properly prepared, we can begin the procedure. During a surgical extraction, we typically make several incisions in the gums to expose the teeth and supporting bone. The number of incisions we make depends on the number of wisdom teeth present. Many people are born with four teeth. Some have two or three, while others are born with none at all.
After we expose the tooth and underlying bone, we can begin the removal process. In many cases, we will break the tooth up into several pieces, which makes it easier to remove. We may also need to remove a portion of the surrounding bone.
Once the teeth are out, we will suture the incisions and pack the area with gauze. This will help to reduce the amount of bleeding and expedite the healing process. Depending on the type of sedation you choose, you may need to arrange a ride home following your procedure.
Before you leave, Dr. Garcia will give you a set of post-operative instructions. Most people will have little or no pain after their surgery. Be sure to follow our instructions closely to reduce your risk of post-operative complications. If you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, or pain after the first few days, be sure to call us as soon as possible.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you may need multiple tooth extractions. Call (346) 250-2930 to schedule your consultation appointment today! |
