Oral Surgery (Wisdom Tooth Extraction In league city)

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What are Wisdom Teeth?

What is an Impaction?

When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly, they are referred to as impacted. Teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted. It may be that it is still too early in someone’s dental development, and if time passes they might grow in properly. A dentist must examine a patient’s mouth and his or her X-rays to determine if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted teeth may cause problems, such as infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease or formation of a cyst (fluid-filled sac) or tumor from the follicle, which is the tissue that formed the crown of the tooth. Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth in 77573 to prevent potential problems. Erupted wisdom teeth may also need to be removed. The dentist may recommend this if the tooth is nonfunctional, interfering with the bite, badly decayed, involved with or at risk for periodontal disease, or interfering with restoration of an adjacent tooth. Once again, every case is different, and only your dentist can determine if there is a reason for you to have a tooth removed.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted, in other words, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Infection in the mouth
• Facial swelling
• Swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth
• Crowding of the existing teeth before orthodontic (braces) treatment.

We recommend removal of the wisdom teeth before they are fully developed, usually in the adolescent years, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through the soft and hard tissue, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone and removing the tooth. We extract wisdom teeth under IV sedation (sleep dentistry). Following the extraction, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which is a normal part of the healing process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling, and we will prescribe medication to help relieve discomfort.

Dry Sockets

Dry socket, the most common postoperative complication from tooth extractions, delays the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. The blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. Women who take oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of developing dry socket after wisdom teeth extraction due to high levels of estrogen.
Tips for preventing dry socket

• Schedule extractions during the last week of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are lower.
• Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction may interfere with clotting.
• Avoid smoking, which can irritate the extraction site.
• Avoid excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere with clotting.

When Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary for several reasons. One key factor is infection or disease. If the wisdom teeth become infected or develop dental diseases, extraction may be recommended. Another reason could be crowding or impaction. When the wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to properly emerge, they may become impacted, causing pain and further dental issues. Lastly, alignment issues can also lead to extraction. If the wisdom teeth grow in at an angle or push against other teeth, it can affect the overall alignment of the teeth. In all these cases, extraction is often the best solution to prevent further complications and maintain oral health.

Preparation For Extraction

During the process, you will have an initial consultation with your dentist to discuss the extraction. They will also take X-rays and evaluate your teeth to determine the best approach. Additionally, you’ll be informed about the anesthesia options available for the extraction procedure.

The Extraction Procedure

Wisdom Teeth Extraction can be performed using surgical and non-surgical methods. Surgical extractions involve making an incision to remove the tooth, while non-surgical methods may involve loosening the tooth and using forceps for extraction. Recovery expectations include swelling and discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. While everyone’s recovery experience may vary, most individuals can resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.

Aftercare And Recovery

Pain Management: After a wisdom tooth extraction, experiencing some pain and discomfort is normal. The dentist will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. It’s important to take the medication as directed, at the prescribed intervals.

Diet and Activity Restrictions: In terms of diet, avoid consuming hot or spicy foods, as they can irritate the extraction site. Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes, gradually reintroducing solid foods as the healing progresses. It’s crucial to avoid using straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol, as these can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Engaging in strenuous activity should also be avoided for at least a few days to ensure proper healing.