Wisdom Teeth Removal

What are Wisdom Teeth?

An adult has 32 teeth on average. Most people grow their wisdom teeth, often referred to as third molars, between the ages of 17 and 25. It can be challenging when an additional set of molars tries to fit in because the mouth can only hold 28 adult teeth. Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to aid in grinding tough foods and plant tissues. Nowadays, wisdom teeth are vestigial (useless) teeth.

Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Some people can keep their wisdom teeth, but only in situations when they can erupt normally and are easy to maintain. The majority of people who experience wisdom tooth emergence will require removal. They need removal because wisdom teeth frequently cannot erupt properly due to a lack of space. The other teeth may become misaligned, which could be painful or alter the way you bite. The gums may not effectively seal off the tooth’s base if they do not fully erupt, and they may then serve as a pathway for germs and other diseases to enter the body. Sometimes, cysts or tumors may develop. It is generally best to have potentially problematic wisdom teeth removed before they start causing serious problems or permanent damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Call us to schedule an in-person assessment if you’re feeling discomfort close to where your wisdom teeth will erupt. If your wisdom teeth have not yet broken through the gums, we can utilize X-rays to predict whether or not they may create issues in the future and remove them before they can do so. Some signs and symptoms you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed include:

• An aching in the back of your jaw
• Having trouble opening your jaw
• Painful, swollen gums
• Infection
• Foul odor coming from the back of your mouth
• Pain in the head, neck, or ears
• Teeth that move or are sensitive
• Protruding wisdom teeth

Dr. Aaron Jones can perform an oral examination to determine if a wisdom tooth procedure is necessary. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Dr. Jones can assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether there are any current or potential problems in the mouth using an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth. We’ll administer the specified anesthetic on the day of your extraction. You mustn’t eat or drink anything on the day of your extraction.

Most of the time, we can use forceps to remove erupted wisdom teeth. Dr. Jones will extract an impacted wisdom tooth by making a tiny incision in the gums. You’ll likely spend 90 minutes at the office, and the procedure will last between 30 and 60 minutes. Modern science and technology have made it possible for people to have their wisdom teeth removed in a way that encourages quick recovery and causes little postoperative discomfort.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

Once you are ready to go home, Dr. Jones will give you a complete “Do’s and Don’ts” fact sheet before you leave our dental office. We will provide you with gauze to bite on following your operation. When you get home, apply pressure for at least an hour to stop the bleeding since excessive bleeding can happen. Use a moistened black tea bag to substitute gauze if you run out. 

After your wisdom teeth removal, you should anticipate swelling the day following surgery, especially in your lower face. Applying ice packs right away will reduce swelling. Apply moist heat for muscular relaxation if you experience jaw muscle stiffness 48 hours after surgery. 

After removing your wisdom teeth, wait at least an hour before eating or drinking anything to help prevent nausea. And only drink liquids in the 15 minutes after this hour, but do not use straws.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Dallas

When it comes to wisdom teeth removal in Dallas, we are the experts! Do not hesitate to contact our office if you or your child has problems with a wisdom tooth. Dr. Jones and our team at Highland Park Dental are ready to help you say goodbye to troublesome wisdom teeth. Schedule a wisdom tooth consultation today.