Houston Wisdom Teeth Removal

With age, wisdom teeth often become impacted or misaligned, causing problems like pain, swelling, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth and bone. Extraction is frequently recommended to avoid future complications.

In Houston, Dr. Kamila Modern Holistic Dentistry stands out as a top choice for wisdom tooth removal. Our modern dental practice is a go-to dental care solution for wisdom teeth removal in Houston because we take a holistic approach to oral health and excel at gentle, minimally invasive extractions. And so, if you are looking to get your wisdom teeth removed, contact us today to book a consultation.

What are Wisdom Teeth and Why they do they Need to be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge in the late teens to early twenties. They are located in the very back of your mouth behind your 12 other permanent teeth.

Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to erupt fully or in the proper position. Partially erupted wisdom teeth allow bacteria to easily enter the tooth and cause problems like pain, infection, and swelling.

Fully impacted wisdom teeth may damage neighboring teeth, roots, or bone if left untouched. As a result, they may necessitate procedures like the installation of a veneer, dental crown, or dental filling in Houston – to repair or protect the affected tooth. This is why dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction as a preventative measure in most patients.

The removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most commonly performed procedures by oral surgeons today. Extracting them early prevents future problems and complications when your wisdom teeth become problematic.

At What age Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Most dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction between ages 16-22. This narrow age window allows for easier recovery and decreased surgical complications.

Teens and young adults still have developing jaws and teeth, allowing the oral surgeon access to molars with open roots that haven’t fully formed. The younger you are, the less complicated the extraction process tends to be. Impacted wisdom teeth become harder to remove as more time passes.

If you wait until your late 20s or beyond, the wisdom teeth roots fully form, sometimes wrapping around vital nerves and embedding into the jaw bone. This makes surgical extraction more difficult and increases risks.

How do I know If my Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Signs your wisdom teeth need to be removed include:

•  Pain, swelling, or infection in the wisdom teeth or surrounding gum tissue
•  Cysts forming around newly erupted wisdom teeth
•  Partially erupted, impacted, or misaligned wisdom teeth
•  Tooth decay or gum disease (pericoronitis)
•  Crowding, tooth shifting, or bite changes
•  Difficulty cleaning wisdom teeth area
•  Sleeping problems, headaches, or jaw stiffness

 

Your dentist will be able to diagnose issues with your third molars during regular exams. They may order X-rays or a CBCT scan to get a 3D view of your wisdom teeth’s position, root development, and proximity to nerves and bone.

If any problems are detected, your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon to have your wisdom teeth extracted.

What does the Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston Involved?

The removal procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide), IV sedation, or general anesthesia based on your anxiety level and the tooth’s complexity.

The oral surgeon will numb the area around the extraction site so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. They make small incisions in the gums covering the tooth to reveal the bones and teeth underneath. Using instruments like elevators and forceps, your surgeon will rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the bone before removing it completely.

After the extractions, the surgeon irrigates the sockets to keep them free of bacteria and stitches up the gums. Stitches usually dissolve on their own within a week or two. The number of teeth extracted per visit depends on their position and severity of impaction. Healing time ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks.

How long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery Takes?

Houston tooth extractions for wisdom teeth are quick outpatient procedures taking as little as 20 minutes per tooth. If all four wisdom teeth are removed during the same visit, you can expect to be finished in under an hour to 90 minutes including prep and anesthesia time. Procedures with more complicated impactions or sections of the teeth still embedded in bone take more time.

The oral surgeon will let you know what to expect for your situation, but the majority of patients are in and out of their office within 1-2 hours including recovery time. You won’t have an overnight hospital stay unless there are surgical complications, which is very rare.

Should I have all four Wisdom Teeth Extracted at Once?

Having all four wisdom teeth removed together during one surgical appointment is recommended for several reasons:

•  Avoids multiple anesthesias and surgeries spaced out over months/years
•  Decreased cost compared to individual extractions
•  Quicker recovery timeline getting it over with at once
•  Eliminates chance of future impactions if some teeth were left behind

 

However, removing all four teeth in a single visit does increase pain, swelling, and recovery time compared to a single tooth extraction. If your wisdom teeth vary significantly in eruption or difficulty, sometimes staging the extractions weeks or months apart allows for smoother healing. Discuss the pros and cons with your oral surgeon.

How Panful is the Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston?

Patients report wisdom teeth extraction pain as mild to moderate post-surgery. While you shouldn’t feel any pain during the numbed procedure itself, some degree of pain and discomfort is normal over the next 3-5 days as the anesthetic wears off.

To manage wisdom teeth pain, your surgeon will prescribe a short course of pain relievers. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are also effective options. Using ice packs on your face reduces swelling. Eating soft foods, proper rest, and avoiding strenuous activity can keep you comfortable while you recover.

What are the Risks and Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston, TX?

As with any oral surgery procedure, there are some risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction to be aware of:

•  Dry socket – delayed healing causing throbbing pain several days post-op
•  Infection – swelling, pain, fever, poor healing
•  Prolonged bleeding – from the extraction site
•  Nerve injury – causing numbness or tingling of the lip, chin, gums, or tongue
•  Tooth/root fragments left behind – additional surgery may be needed for removal
•  Damage to nearby teeth or roots
•  Sinus complications – if upper wisdom teeth are near the sinuses

 

Your oral surgeon will take every precaution to minimize risks and avoid potential wisdom tooth extraction complications. Following all post-op care instructions lowers risks as well. Serious complications are not common.

How much does Houston Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost with Insurance?

The typical cost of wisdom teeth removal with insurance in the U.S. ranges from $75 – $200 per tooth. This covers the oral surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and facility costs. Without dental insurance, expect to pay $200 – $500 per extraction.

Various factors affect the price:

• •  Your location and provider rates
  •  Type of impaction (simple vs. complex)
  •  Use of IV sedation or general anesthesia
  •  Number of teeth removed in one visit

Many dental insurance plans at least partially cover wisdom tooth extractions beginning at age 16 up to age 26. Beyond 26 wisdom teeth are often classified as elective. Confirm your dental benefits to get the most accurate cost estimate for wisdom teeth removal in Houston.

How can I Reduce Swelling after Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Swelling is normal and peaks on days 2 and 3 after having your wisdom teeth out. To minimize a swollen face, try these remedies:

•  Apply cold compresses to your cheeks for 10-15 minutes at a time
•  Use ice packs while awake and sleeping for the first 24 hours
•  Keep your head elevated on pillows while resting
•  Avoid exertion and physical activity after surgery
•  Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
•  Follow a soft, cool diet

 

If swelling persists beyond 3-5 days or seems excessive, call your oral surgeon’s office to have it evaluated. Fever, pus, worsening pain, or foul taste may indicate an infection needing antibiotics.

What Food Should I Eat after Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The wisdom teeth removal recovery timeline averages:

• •  Days 1-3: Peak pain and swelling
  •  Days 4-7: Transition to soft foods, reduce pain medication
  •  Days 7-14: Gradual healing of sockets, sutures dissolve
  •  Weeks 2-4: Normal healing complete, can resume normal diet

 

You may return to school or work as soon as 24-48 hours after surgery depending on your comfort level. Avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise for at least 1 week post-op. Healing times vary per individual. Discuss when you can return to normal activities with your oral surgeon.

How Can I Stop Bleeding after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Some minor bleeding is common and should stop within a few hours after surgery. To stop persistent bleeding:

•  Bite down gently on the gauze pad placed over the surgery site, replacing as needed
•  Avoid spitting out blood or rinsing the mouth roughly
•  Limit activity and talking initially to allow clots to form
•  Apply pressure by biting on a moist tea bag
•  Use an ice pack over the area
•  Sleep propped up with your head elevated

 

If excessive bleeding persists for more than 24 hours or seems profuse, contact your oral surgeon’s office for an evaluation. You may need to return for help stopping the bleeding.

How do I Clean Wisdom Teeth Sockets While Healing?

Keeping your wisdom teeth sockets clean post-extraction prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped inside and causing an infection called a dry socket.

Brush gently around (not directly inside) the surgery sites starting 24 hours after the procedure. Rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water 2-3 times a day after meals.

Avoid mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinses as they can break down healing blood clots. Your sockets should heal within 3-4 weeks with proper oral hygiene.

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back after Extraction?

It is extremely rare for wisdom teeth to grow back after a successful, uncomplicated extraction by an experienced oral surgeon. Typically the entire tooth, including the roots, is completely removed during surgery.

In very rare cases, small tooth fragments may be accidentally left behind and eventually erupt through the gums again. This requires a second extraction surgery to fully remove the wisdom tooth remnants.

As long as X-rays confirm the entire wisdom tooth is gone after extractions, recurrence is highly unlikely. The exception is in patients with supernumerary teeth (extra teeth beyond the normal 32 adult teeth).

Do Wisdom Teeth Need Replacement after Extraction?

Replacing your extracted wisdom teeth with dental implants or a bridge is almost never necessary for your oral health or function.

Wisdom teeth are your third molars located farthest back in your mouth behind your 12 other upper and lower molar teeth. They primarily emerge to replace your lost first molars, which rarely happens.

If your first and second molars remain intact, you likely won’t notice any gap from missing wisdom teeth. The adjoining teeth simply shift slightly over time to fill the new space. Replacing wisdom teeth is typically unnecessary and too costly to justify.