Wisdom Teeth Removal Houston - Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you're experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth or suspect your wisdom teeth might be coming in, now is the time to visit us at the Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston.

Emerging wisdom teeth can often lead to complications later on if they aren’t taken care of. Among our dental and oral health services, we specialize in removing this extra set of molars. We’ll make sure to identify any potential problems and treat them early on. Whether you're a teenager, young adult, or older, we're here to provide the guidance and treatment you need to keep your mouth healthy.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Many teens and adults may be unaware that they have an extra set of molars growing under the surface of their gums. This third set of molars, better known as wisdom teeth, can cause problems if they go untreated. They often can’t be detected without regular dental exams or until they become a problem.

Because wisdom teeth grow beneath the surface of the gums and don’t always emerge, we must X-ray the mouth to determine if they are present. Sometimes, the teeth will partially emerge from the gums but not grow in completely.

While these teeth can increase chewing power, they usually don’t grow in without causing problems. Many people don’t have enough room in their dental arches for wisdom teeth to grow in. Instead, the extra molars can cause crowding, infections, or damage in the area around your other teeth. Our oral surgeon, Dr. L.T. Johnson, performs wisdom teeth removal to prevent these issues at our office in Houston, TX.

Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Patients with wisdom teeth are more susceptible to other oral problems, including:

Infection of surrounding tissue from partially exposed wisdom teeth, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath
Decay of partially exposed wisdom teeth and/or decay of the adjacent second molar
Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can cause issues in healthy teeth and bone tissue
Bacterial growth and gum disease
Shifting of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth push the second molars forward and cause dental crowding

Why Choose Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston?

Welcome to the Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston (OFSIH). Led by Dr. L.T. Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or more complex facial surgeries, we aim to improve your oral health and overall well-being.

Our facility has the latest technology, ensuring we perform every procedure efficiently and safely. At OFSIH, you can trust us to meet your surgical needs with professionalism and personalized care. Join our community of satisfied patients and experience the quality of service that makes us a leader in the field.

Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed

At the Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston, we recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed early, preferably during the mid-to-late teens, even if they haven’t begun to emerge from the gums yet. Since the roots of these teeth have not fully developed, removing them is usually easier at early stages. Younger patients are also more likely to recover quickly after surgery, making early removal even more ideal.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Before your wisdom teeth removal, you will have a thorough oral exam. You may also receive routine X-rays and 3D scanning, if necessary, to determine the position and size of your teeth.

Anesthesia Options

Dr. Johnson is trained and experienced at administering outpatient anesthesia. Our office in Houston, TX, offers multiple anesthetic options, including:

Local Anesthesia: We apply this directly to the area of removal.
Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this is used along with other anesthetic options to calm anxiety during the procedure.
Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia: We administer this through an intravenous (IV) line that suppresses your consciousness.

Our skilled surgeon and trained office staff will answer any questions you may have before your procedure to make sure you are fully informed. They can also help you choose the method of anesthesia that is best for you.

The Removal Process

On the day of the surgery, Dr. Johnson will use the chosen anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. The method of extraction depends on the complexity of the case. If the wisdom tooth has fully emerged, we can often remove it like a standard tooth extraction. However, impacted teeth might require a more involved procedure, where we carefully remove the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth.

Dr. Johnson uses specialized tools to gently loosen and extract the wisdom tooth. In some cases, he may need to divide the tooth into smaller pieces so he can remove them more easily and safely.

Recovery

Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction can vary, but here's a general guideline to help you understand what to expect:

Immediate Post-Operative Period: For the first 24 hours, follow Dr. Johnson's instructions to aid healing. Rest, avoid strenuous activities, and let blood clots form undisturbed.
First Few Days: Expect some swelling and discomfort, which usually peaks around the second day. You can manage any pain with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Stick to soft foods like yogurt and soup to avoid irritation.
One Week After Surgery: Most of the discomfort should subside by now, and you can return to most normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Stitches, if any, might be removed or begin to dissolve.
Two Weeks and Beyond: By the end of the second week, you should have very minimal discomfort. It might take a few more weeks for your gums and bones to completely heal. Keep the area clean, and continue to follow good oral hygiene practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?

Impacted wisdom teeth are unable to fully emerge through the gums due to lack of space or incorrect positioning. Symptoms might include pain, swelling, and infection.

What Symptoms Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Common symptoms include pain at the back of the mouth, swelling, jaw stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth, and sometimes even prolonged headaches.

What Are the Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal?

While generally safe, risks include dry socket, nerve damage, infection, and bleeding. However, these risks are minimal and further reduced by following post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Johnson.

Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?

Wisdom tooth extraction is generally not painful during the procedure due to modern anesthesia and pain management techniques. Dr. Johnson ensures you are comfortable and pain-free. After the procedure, some discomfort is normal, but you should be able to manage it with pain relievers and by following Dr. Johnson’s aftercare instructions.

Does Everyone Need to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Factors like tooth position and health will all have an impact. Dr. Johnson evaluates each case to determine the best course of action.

If your wisdom teeth have emerged and don’t affect your other teeth or oral health, we might not have to remove them. But you may need extraction to prevent future complications if they’re impacted, causing pain, infections, or overcrowding in your mouth.

What If I Didn't Get My Teeth Removed as a Teenager or Young Adult?

It's not uncommon for people to have their wisdom teeth removed later in life. If you didn't have your wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult, it's important to monitor them for potential issues. As long as your wisdom teeth are healthy, not causing pain, and not affecting other teeth, they may not need to be removed. However, if you experience problems such as pain, recurring infections, or damage to adjacent teeth, it might be time to have them extracted.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today

You don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to find out you need your wisdom teeth removed. It's better to know ahead of time. Call 281-491-4545 today to schedule your appointment with the Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston in Texas. Dr. L.T. Johnson and our team are here to guide you through your options. Get ahead of your oral health and prepare for a healthier smile!