Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Midlothian, TX

What are Wisdom Teeth?

In short, they are the third set of molars. Since they typically erupt between the ages of 17 to 25, and wisdom is supposed to come with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth.” Nowadays, having them removed is so common that the procedure is viewed as a rite of passage. That said, not everyone needs to have theirs removed. Below, you will find a few instances where our Midlothian dental team recommends having them extracted.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth that become trapped under the gums can cause high levels of discomfort. They can also lead to other problems if there’s not enough room for them in the mouth, like:

• They might push the other teeth around and alter your bite.
• Cysts could form and hollow out the jawbone.
• Wisdom teeth in the upper arch can cause sinus pain and congestion.
• Your risk for cavities and gum disease could increase.

If you’re dealing with considerable, consistent jaw pain or we think the above complications are likely, it’s better to have an extraction performed and avoid the long-term issues altogether.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

There are actually two types of extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are used when the tooth has broken through the gumline, allowing us to gently rock the tooth loose until it’s ready to be removed. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are ideal when the tooth in question is trapped underneath the gumline. This requires us to make a small incision before removing the tooth section by section. Regardless of which approach is best, you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t feel any pain or discomfort because the first step is always the same: to numb your mouth.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

In order to prevent problems from arising, like a dry socket, and keep you comfortable during the healing process, our Midlothian dental team will provide you with aftercare instructions. Some general ones include:

• Waiting until you’ve regained sensation in your mouth to eat
• Sticking to a soft-foods diet
• Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
• Not smoking, spitting, or using a straw
• Changing the gauze pads as needed
• Propping yourself up on a few pillows so your head stays elevated throughout the night

If you have any lingering questions for us about wisdom tooth extractions, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. In addition to providing helpful answers, we will alleviate any concerns you have and walk you through the treatment process so you feel complete confidence moving forward.