Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston Heights

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear in a person’s mouth. They usually erupt from the gum line between ages 17 and 25. These teeth can sometimes cause problems if they don’t fully erupt through the gumline or grow at an angle that puts pressure on other teeth. In most cases, wisdom teeth should be removed because of potential complications.

It is believed that wisdom teeth evolved when humans consumed a lot of rigid plant material, which needed extra chewing power further back in the mouth. Although our diet has changed drastically over time, evolution is slow, and humans still have wisdom teeth today, even though they are not necessary for most people.

If your dentist or oral surgeon notices that your wisdom teeth are crowding other teeth, causing pain or infection, or growing at an angle, then it’s likely that they would recommend removal. Generally speaking, removing them earlier rather than later is best since it becomes more difficult as you age and the tooth roots become more established. Removing impacted wisdom teeth is also much more complicated than extracting those already erupted through the gumline.

The actual procedure for extracting your wisdom tooth depends on its position and how difficult it will be to remove. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some swelling, pain and discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Depending on how many of your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you may need multiple appointments for the procedure.

There are some risks associated with having your wisdom tooth extracted, including damage to nearby bones or nerves, excessive bleeding in rare cases, infection at the extraction site, and dry socket (where blood clots fail to form after surgery). However, these risks can be minimized by following instructions provided by your dentist before and after surgery, such as avoiding using straws, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol during healing timeframes outlined by your doctor.

To determine the expense of wisdom teeth extraction, multiple aspects may influence the price such as where the operation takes place, the performing oral surgeon or dentist, the difficulty level of the extraction and the kind of anesthesia employed. For an accurate cost estimation tailored to your individual situation, we advise you to seek advice from our Houston office.

The duration of healing after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and the individual’s healing abilities. Typically, it takes about 7-10 days to heal initially, and it may take several weeks for a full recovery. It’s crucial to attentively heed our dentist’s instructions after the operation and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s recommended that you reduce swelling by applying ice packs to your cheeks for short periods of 20 minutes – every few hours within the first 24-48 hours. You can then switch to a warm compress. It’s also suggested that you rinse your mouth gently with salt water, eat soft foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking through a straw. Additionally, pain and anti-inflammatory medication may be taken to help ease any discomfort. Following your dentist’s instructions closely will help ensure a smooth recovery.

Numbness after wisdom teeth removal typically lasts 3-5 hours for the local anesthetic to wear off. In rare cases, it can last several weeks or even months due to nerve damage. If prolonged numbness occurs, it’s essential to contact our oral surgeon or dentist for evaluation and treatment.