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Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth – or third molars – are the last teeth to come in, and the ones least needed for good health. They may not erupt, or emerge from you gums, until your late teens or early twenties – if they erupt at all. Most often, wisdom teeth remain impacted, or trapped in the jawbone and gums, usually because there is not enough room for them in your mouth. Modern human jaws are smaller than those of early humans, who needed large jaws and more teeth for their tougher diets. We don’t need that extra chewing power anymore. In fact, wisdom teeth often do more harm than good. Because of this, your dentist may recommend dental surgery for removing them and refer you to our specialists' office for expert care.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people have all four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of their mouth, but each tooth may be at a different stage of eruption or position of impaction. Since wisdom teeth develop over a period of many years, harmful changes in you mouth may be gradual. However, these changes could result in sudden and severe pain. Sometimes problem wisdom teeth can cause tangible symptoms like pain and swelling, or you may not feel any symptoms at all. However, pain is not always an indicator that something is wrong in your mouth. Wisdom teeth, especially, can cause serious problems without any symptoms.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Gum disease – bacteria and food get trapped around a wisdom tooth and can infect the gum tissue in the very back of your mouth
Crowding – a wisdom tooth can push on adjacent teeth, causing them to become crooked, or even damage them structurally
Decay – wisdom teeth are hard to clean due to their location, and therefore become very susceptible to tooth decay
Tumors and Cysts – if the sac that hold the tooth remains embedded in the bone, it can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can erode the surrounding jawbone.

What Is Involved in Removing My Wisdom Teeth?

Dr. Stobaugh or Dr. Metz will visit with you regarding your situation and conduct thorough medical history and oral exams at your initial consultation. To confirm your diagnosis, a panoramic X-ray allows us to identify anatomical landmarks prior to your surgery. Additionally, the doctor will discuss various anesthesia options with you – local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (analgesia), or IV conscious sedation. Wisdom teeth removal procedure is usually done with dental surgery in our surgical suites, eliminating the need for costly hospitalization. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety with monitoring equipment and staff experienced and trained in anesthesia techniques.

Before, During, and After your procedures

Before dental surgery: If you have chosen IV sedation, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything for at least six hours prior to your scheduled surgery. Depending on your medical history, you may be given medications to take prior to your appointment.

During your surgery: If your teeth have erupted, we may remove them without an incision. However, if your teeth are impacted, an incision will be required, and you may have sutures (stitches) placed to close the incision.

Following surgery: Again, if you have chosen IV sedation, you will need to have someone with you for your appointment. Your driver will remain in our office during your treatment, and then drive you home following your surgery. If you chose local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, you can probably drive yourself home after your appointment. You will need to eat foods that are cool and soft the day of your surgery. Typically, patients that have their wisdom teeth removed will rest at home the day of their treatment.

We will gladly answer your questions about wisdom teeth extraction. Simply call our Houston office for assistance. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston is easily accessible for patients in Bellaire, Memorial, Katy, Cypress, Piney Point Village, and Bunker Hill Village.