Wisdom Teeth Removal in Willow Park, TX

If you or your child needs to have wisdom teeth removed, our oral surgeon is an expert at extracting wisdom teeth at our office in Willow Park, TX. Wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars. They are the last of all the adult teeth to grow in — they usually erupt between ages 17 and 25. Third molars get the name wisdom teeth because they grow in around the time that a person transitions into adulthood.

Because wisdom teeth erupt so late, many teens and young adults don’t realize they have an extra set of teeth growing in until pain and other problems start to arise. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help you detect and remove wisdom teeth before they cause complications for your oral health.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Most of the time, the wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt fully. They can become trapped beneath the gums, which creates pockets where harmful bacteria can grow. Below are a few of the issues wisdom teeth can cause when they go untreated:

Impaction
Infections
Cysts and tumors
Crowding and damage to adjacent teeth
Dental shifting

If your wisdom teeth grow in without issue, they may not need to be removed. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can start to take on an unhealthy position well before they ever emerge from the gums. Regular dental exams throughout adolescence and early adulthood are the best way to ensure that your wisdom teeth are growing in properly.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedures

Before a wisdom teeth procedure, you will probably come in for a consultation appointment, during which your surgeon will have a chance to review your condition and form the best plan for extraction. If you have any questions about your procedure, anesthesia options, or recovery, this appointment is a great chance to discuss them with your surgeon.

When you return for your removal appointment, you will likely need a designated driver to bring you to and from the office. First, your surgeon will administer the appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain or discomfort. Then, the extraction procedure will begin. Your oral surgeon will expose each tooth from beneath the gums before removing it from the tooth socket. Sometimes he will section the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Lastly, your surgeon will suture each surgical site to speed up healing. Most people choose to undergo IV sedation during the procedure, allowing them to sleep throughout the procedure and wake up once it is over. Once your anesthesia wears off, your designated driver can take you home.

Recovery is different for everyone, but most people feel ready to return to their normal schedules after a few days. Your surgeon will go over your post-operative instructions and provide a prescription for any necessary medications before your procedure so that you can prepare, and having some soft foods on hand will be most comfortable for the first couple of days after surgery. If you have any more questions about wisdom teeth procedures, feel free to watch some of the wisdom teeth testimonials or contact our office for more information.