Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in your late teens or early twenties. While these teeth can be valuable to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, they are often misaligned or impacted.
This misalignment can cause various dental problems, necessitating their removal. Removing problematic wisdom teeth is crucial for maintaining overall oral health and preventing future complications.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth fail to emerge fully into their expected position. This leads to a range of issues that can affect your oral health. Here are some common signs that you might be dealing with impacted wisdom teeth:
- You feel discomfort or pain at the back of the mouth or along the jaw.
- You may notice swelling around the jaw or gums where a tooth is trying to emerge.
- The gums around the wisdom teeth may become inflamed, red, or bleed easily.
- If you feel a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
- When it feels difficult to open your mouth due to the swelling and pain.
Recognizing these signs early can help you seek timely dental advice and treatment to prevent further complications.
When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to several serious health issues. These teeth are prone to infection because their awkward positioning makes them difficult to clean.
Over time, this can result in gum disease and decay, not only affecting the wisdom teeth but also neighboring teeth. Cysts or tumors can also develop around untreated, impacted teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone and healthy teeth.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth early is crucial to avoid these complications. Timely extraction helps prevent the spread of infection, preserves the health of adjacent teeth, and reduces the risk of more severe conditions such as cysts or tumors.
It’s also easier to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age when the roots and bones are less developed. This makes the procedure simpler and recovery faster.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Removing wisdom teeth is a common procedure to alleviate pain and prevent future dental issues. The process involves the following steps:
Initial consultation
During your first visit, we will take X-rays to determine the position of the wisdom teeth and discuss the best approach for removal with you. We keep the communication line open to make patients comfortable with the procedure.
Based on your comfort and the complexity of the procedure, different types of anesthesia may be offered. These can range from local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth, to general anesthesia, where you’ll be asleep during the procedure.
The extraction
Our dental specialist, Dr Hanna, will make a small incision in the gum tissue to reach the tooth that needs an extraction. While this may seem like a daunting process at first, you can rest easy with our team of specialists- we’ll take care of you every step of the way.
Closing the site
After the tooth is removed, the site is cleaned, and if necessary, the wound is stitched up to promote healing.
You will receive instructions on how to care for your mouth during the recovery period. This includes managing swelling, pain, diet, and activity.
Why Timely Treatment is Important
Removing wisdom teeth early can significantly benefit your long-term oral health. Early removal helps to prevent the complications that arise from impacted teeth, such as infection, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth.
As people age, the bones in the mouth become harder, making the teeth more firmly rooted. This can complicate the extraction process, increasing the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding, severe jaw damage, and prolonged recovery times. Therefore, addressing wisdom teeth issues promptly is advisable, as delays can lead to a more challenging and risky procedure.
Younger patients typically recover faster from surgery due to more resilient tissues and faster healing processes. Early intervention also reduces the likelihood of developing cysts or tumors associated with impacted wisdom teeth, which can lead to more serious health issues.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Houston, TX
Removing wisdom teeth is more than just a surgical procedure; it’s a preventive measure to safeguard your oral health. Hanna Dental offers outpatient procedures that are efficient and focused on minimizing discomfort and recovery time. Our skilled oral surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
If you’re in Houston and think you need wisdom teeth removed, don’t hesitate. Contact us to discuss your options with our experts. Whether it’s a straightforward extraction or a more complex case involving impacted teeth, we are equipped to handle your needs with the utmost care. Our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment where all your dental health needs are addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth in Houston?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Houston can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the type of anesthesia used, and the surgeon’s experience. The cost of wisdom teeth removal at Hanna Dental starts at $350.
How much does it cost to get wisdom teeth removed without insurance in Texas?
Without dental insurance, the cost of wisdom teeth removal in Texas can be significant. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, such as whether the teeth are impacted or require surgical extraction, the cost can range from $150 to $650 per tooth. At Hanna Dental, it starts at $350.
Is it true that you should not remove your wisdom teeth?
It is not universally true that wisdom teeth must be removed. However, removal might be recommended if wisdom teeth are impacted, cause pain, or have the potential to cause dental complications.
Should I get 2 or 4 wisdom teeth removed?
The decision to remove 2 or all 4 wisdom teeth depends on their health, position, and impact on neighboring teeth. Some people may only need to remove one or two causing problems, while others might benefit from removing all four to prevent future issues. Consult with us to determine the best approach for your dental health.
