Your mouth was designed to hold 28 teeth, not 32. By the time your wisdom teeth start to grow, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for them to fully erupt. That’s why nine out of ten people find themselves with at least one impacted wisdom tooth that requires extraction. Even when they are properly positioned, wisdom teeth can easily become infected and are at greater risk for cysts and tumors (see The Trouble with Wisdom Teeth).
It’s common to have wisdom teeth removed during the late teens and early twenties when the roots are still developing and the procedure can be less complex. However, wisdom tooth removal isn’t limited to this age range. Patients of all ages may need their wisdom teeth extracted depending on their oral health and specific concerns. While earlier removal can sometimes lead to an easier recovery, modern techniques make the procedure safe and effective for adults at any stage.
Wisdom teeth extractions are routine surgical procedures in our office. But for many of our patients, just hearing the words “surgery” and “extraction” tends to bring up some fears. We at Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery want you to know that wisdom teeth extraction is safe, quick, and comfortable.
As oral surgery specialists with extensive training and experience, we offer a different kind of “wisdom teeth experience” for our patients and their families. We are with you every step of the way and pay extra attention to the most critical parts of your child’s dental care, including:
We are committed to giving you a great experience! Thanks to rapidly advancing technology, new medicines, sterilization, infection control options, and anesthesia options, our dental professionals can perform the procedure in a way that promotes quicker healing, reduces swelling, minimizes pain, and maximizes comfort.
A few key items:
The length of your surgery depends on a variety of factors, including the level of impact and the number of teeth being removed. However, most wisdom teeth extractions can be performed in about an hour. You’ll be under some form of anesthesia during this time.
Post-op soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications; however, all medication options will be discussed ahead of your surgery to ensure that you have adequate wisdom tooth pain relief at home as the anesthesia wears off. Be sure to talk to your oral surgeon about any concerns you may have.
A day after your surgery, you can begin rinsing your mouth 3-4 times a day with warm salt water, especially after you eat. You should not drink alcohol for at least a week after your surgery.
The most common complication following a tooth extraction, “dry socket”, occurs when the blood clot in the surgical site becomes dislodged or never develops properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including smoking and straw use, improper home care, such as vigorous rinsing, and unknown infections. If you have symptoms of a dry socket, please call our office immediately so that we can get you proper care and pain control.
Dry socket symptoms typically appear several days after your surgery and may include:
Damage to sensory nerves
It is normal to feel some numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, or tongue following surgery. However, very rarely, sensory nerve damage occurs that causes the sensation to stay permanently. Having your wisdom teeth out early (before 18) lessens the likelihood that this condition will develop — another reason to have this important procedure during your teen years!
Because the upper wisdom teeth are so close to the sinus cavities, occasionally an opening appears between the sinuses and the mouth following extraction. This “hole” will usually close on its own, provided that you follow the specific instructions for aftercare:
If you have any questions regarding your pre-operation, procedure, or post-surgery, do not hesitate to contact our office. The more informed you are, the more comfortable you will be. Our team of experts will give you the best experience with your help.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on several circumstances (positioning, level of impact, number of teeth) that are unique to your teen’s case. We will discuss all costs with you upfront and can help you determine whether your insurance offers any benefits for the procedure.
Because it is so common for wisdom teeth to cause problems such as infection, pain, damage to neighboring teeth, and, in rare circumstances, cysts and tumors, it is generally recognized as standard practice to remove them in most people during their late teens and early twenties, before their roots have fully developed. Waiting to remove them increases the likelihood of health problems and complications should they still need to be removed down the line.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some possible complications associated with the removal of the third molars. These complications (nerve injuries, fractures, and injury to the joints) are very rare, and, if the surgery is performed at an early age, the risk is even less.
Are you feeling unsure about getting your wisdom teeth extracted? Consider this:
Wisdom teeth that are not removed will likely cause the following problems throughout your life:
Infection
Your gums can become infected, a condition known as “pericoronitis”, due to your wisdom teeth unsuccessfully trying to push through the gum tissue. This condition, which causes pain, swelling, and problems swallowing, can recur periodically.
Cysts are fluid-filled pockets that can form inside the jawbone when you have impacted wisdom teeth. They can be very damaging and difficult to treat, as they can destroy your jawbone and even neighboring teeth.
Crowding and alignment issues
It should be no surprise that impacted wisdom teeth crowd your smile, causing misalignment issues, even if you had braces.
Wisdom teeth are notorious for damaging neighboring teeth by making it difficult to practice good oral hygiene in the area. Brushing your teeth becomes much harder. This often results in decay, gum disease, and sometimes bone loss.
Scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons is a great way for us to answer any and all questions you may have. Our surgeons will be able to outline a personalized treatment plan based on your given situation. Call one of our offices in Memorial, Cypress, or Katy. You can also click here to request an appointment.
