Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Dallas, TX

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth – also known as “third molars” – are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt. Because they come in so much later than your other teeth, there often isn’t enough room for them in your mouth. This can cause them to become impacted, meaning they’re fully or partially trapped under your gums or in your jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to all sorts of complications, which is why extraction is often necessary.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom tooth removal is often recommended when a patient experiences one of the following:

• Impaction of the wisdom teeth (beneath the gumline)
• Partial eruption that is causing problems with oral health
• Pain and inflammation developing around the area

Call our office immediately if you have noticed any symptoms that might point to problematic wisdom teeth. We can examine your mouth and jaw to confirm whether an extraction is necessary to protect your overall oral health.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

In many cases, removing wisdom teeth requires surgery. Before the procedure begins, we’ll use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth; dental sedation may also be utilized to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Our team will make incisions in your gum tissue and remove a small amount of bone so that we can access the roots of the teeth in question. When removing wisdom teeth, it may be necessary to divide them into sections. Once the teeth have been taken out, the extraction sites will be cleaned, the gums will be sutured shut, and gauze will be placed to control bleeding.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Once the extraction is complete, you will need to abide by a set of guidelines to ensure swift and successful healing. These tips include:

• Getting plenty of rest for the next 48 hours.
• Sleeping with the head elevated to minimize the amount of blood rushing to the face and causing discomfort.
• Changing out gauze as needed to reduce bleeding.
• Avoiding actions that can dislodge the blood clots necessary for healing; such actions include sipping through a straw, vigorous rinsing, spitting, or eating hard things.
• Gently swishing with warm salt water to flush out bad oral bacteria and encourage proper healing.
• Being mindful of brushing and flossing near the surgical sites.