Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also called the third molars, typically arrive in during a person's late teens or 20s. While some people's wisdom teeth erupt without issue, other individuals' third molars don't. Whether your wisdom teeth come in with or without issue, the third molars have the potential to cause significant oral health problems in the future. 

Why Remove the Wisdom Teeth?

We recommend removing wisdom teeth in order to prevent oral health problems from arising. The wisdom teeth should be removed in the following circumstances:

• When there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate the third molars without crowding the other teeth
• When the wisdom teeth grow into neighboring teeth and become impacted
• When the wisdom teeth develop but do not erupt

Failing to extract wisdom teeth in the above-listed cases can result in serious oral health problems such as crooked teeth, malocclusion, infection, jawbone damage, damage to neighboring teeth, and other long-term oral health problems. 

In some instances, the wisdom teeth might erupt normally without issues. In these cases, however, we might still recommend an elective, preventative tooth extraction to avoid future oral health problems that could develop as a result of the challenge presented when cleaning and maintaining the third molars. 

Signs and Symptoms That Indicate Your Wisdom Teeth Might Need to Be Removed

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, then you should see a dentist right away to evaluate the health of your wisdom teeth:

• Tender gums
• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Lockjaw (difficulty opening and closing your mouth)
• Swelling around the jaw
• Frequent headaches
• Temporomandibular joint pain
• Aching jaw
• Persistently bad breath
• A foul taste in your mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

What to Expect: From Consultation to Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

Consultation and Diagnostic Imaging

The first step in removing the third molars is to schedule a consultation and examination with a dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate the patient's teeth and take a set of diagnostic images (such as x-rays or CT scans) to view the parts of the third molars that are not visible to the naked eye. This enables the dentist to create a treatment plan and extraction recommendation designed to meet the patient's individual needs. 

At this time, we can answer any questions the patient might have about treatment options and what to expect on the day of the extraction. 

The Extraction

The actual extraction procedure for wisdom teeth typically takes place during a second appointment. The process varies depending on the state of the teeth. For example, a healthy, fully erupted third molar can typically be removed with a routine extraction, but a weak or impacted third molar might require removal with a surgical extraction. The actual procedure and the type of anesthetic you receive depend on the type of extraction needed. 

Aftercare and Follow-Up Appointments

After your procedure, we provide you with thorough instructions for aftercare. These instructions are intended to help you achieve a swift, easy, and complication-free recovery. Instructions will include specifics regarding pain medications, antibiotics (if necessary), dietary recommendations, and wound care in addition to signs of potential complications to look out for. 

Depending on the type of extraction procedure you have undergone, we might also schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and recovery. 

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary from patient to patient. The total cost depends on the number of wisdom teeth to be extracted, the type of anesthesia or anesthetic used (general or local), unforeseen issues that could complicate treatment, and the patient's dental insurance policy. 

Prior to your treatment, we can provide you with an estimate of costs in addition to the insurance coverage anticipated with your policy. 

Searching for "Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Me?" Look No Further

If your wisdom teeth or your child's wisdom teeth remain intact, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. We can evaluate your wisdom teeth and oral health to help you determine whether removal is necessary for or stands to be beneficial to your future oral health. To learn more or schedule a consultation, we welcome you to contact our dental office to schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth removal in Katy, TX.

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