Dental Clinic

  • 7951 Katy Fwy, Suite I Houston, TX 77024

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Expert wisdom tooth removal in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston, TX

Why Do We Remove Our Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. However, they often cause problems due to lack of space in the jaw or their position. Understanding when and why wisdom tooth extraction is necessary helps ensure optimal oral health.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Here are the main reasons why we might need to remove wisdom teeth:

  • Impacted

This means the wisdom tooth is trapped in your jaw or under your gums. As your wisdom tooth tries to emerge, it can crowd or damage nearby teeth, cause pain, and lead to an infection.

  • Partly Showing

In this case, the wisdom tooth has partially emerged, but a part of it remains buried in the gum. This can create a passageway for bacteria that can cause oral infection and gum disease.

  • Angled
Sometimes, the wisdom tooth comes in at an awkward angle, which can cause pain, crowd or damage the adjacent teeth, and disrupt your bite alignment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

The procedure for wisdom tooth extraction depends on the position of the tooth. Our experienced team at Lifeworks Dental ensures your comfort throughout the process.
  • Simple Extraction
This is performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted into the mouth. The dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic, loosen the tooth using an instrument called an elevator, and then remove the tooth with dental forceps. This procedure is typically quick and straightforward.
  • Surgical Extraction
This is a more complex procedure, performed when the tooth is partially erupted or angled. The dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gum to expose the tooth, remove bone that covers the tooth, and then divide the tooth into sections to make it easier to remove. This procedure may require stitches to close the wound and promote healing.

Recovery Process After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

After the extraction, recovery typically takes a few days. Here are some tips to speed up the recovery process:

Rest & Avoid Activity

Rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days to promote proper healing.

Use Ice Packs

Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling.

Eat Soft Foods

Eat soft foods and gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.

Take Medications

Take prescribed medications as directed by your dentist to manage pain and prevent infection.

Avoid Smoking

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can slow the healing process.

No Straws

Do not use a straw for the first few days as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1-2: Initial Healing
Peak swelling and discomfort. Follow all post-op instructions carefully.

Day 3-5: Improvement
Swelling begins to subside. Pain becomes more manageable.

Day 7: Follow-up
Scheduled appointment to check healing progress.

One Week Follow-Up Appointment

1 Week Later

Important check-up appointment

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled about a week after your extraction. During this visit, the dentist will check the extraction site to ensure it’s healing properly and remove any stitches if necessary. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about your recovery and oral care.

This appointment is crucial for monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns you may have about your recovery process.

Expert Wisdom Tooth Care

At Lifeworks Dental, we’re committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being before, during, and after your wisdom tooth extraction. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques to minimize discomfort and promote faster healing. If you have any concerns or questions about wisdom tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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