When it comes to your wisdom teeth, our dentist at Charles E. Dyer, IV, DDS, MS, PC, may recommend removing them if they become impacted or begin to cause pain. Our dentist may also recommend the teeth be extracted to prevent infection, misalignment, and other issues. 

Typically, older teens and adults need to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, children whose third molars are showing signs of coming in may also need extractions.

Impacted wisdom teeth, which cannot fully erupt through the gums, often develop cysts and tumors in the mouth. Additionally, impacted teeth can cause discomfort in the jaw and put the patient at risk for gum disease. On the other hand, wisdom teeth that are fully erupted inside the mouth can result in crowding issues with other teeth and an increased risk for tooth decay. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

On the day of the appointment, patients will be given a local anesthetic and sedation medication to help them feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Local anesthesia is usually used to numb the area, and the sedation helps make the patient feel more comfortable during the process. 

During the surgery, the gums are pulled back to expose the teeth, and the surrounding bone is cut away using a specialized surgical drill. Once the teeth are exposed, the dentist can extract them using forceps. Patients may need stitches to help with the healing process. A soft compress may be placed over the site to help control bleeding. 

The patient may be required to wear a particular type of gauze pad called a periodontal pack for a few days following the procedure. This will help to keep the sockets clean and free of food particles while the blood clots.

The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent further health problems and discomfort when complications arise. Additionally, having the teeth removed at the appropriate time allows patients to avoid a wisdom tooth infection that may require antibiotics to treat.

Removing wisdom teeth can also help improve a patient’s appearance and prevent problems with the bite alignment caused by overcrowding of teeth in the back of the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a misaligned bite or a crowded smile that may make cleaning difficult and increase the risk of tooth decay. Overcrowding can also cause problems with the proper chewing of food. This can lead to digestion problems and jaw pain from improper wear of the temporomandibular joints.

Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent many problems later in life, so don’t put off treatment for too long. Get in touch with Charles E. Dyer, IV, DDS, MS, PC, at 16316 Spring Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429, or call (281) 304-9911 for the best dental care.