Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Pasadena, TX
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Preserves Oral Health
The word “extraction” can often be scary for some people; however, the techniques used today are far better than those performed decades ago. Thanks to modern medicine and advancements in restorative dentistry technology, the dental team at Pasadena Family Dentistry can safely, effectively, and painlessly perform wisdom tooth extractions in Pasadena, TX. Whether these third molars come in partially or not at all, it’s better to get them out while your child is still young, so it doesn’t go on to become a problem for their oral health in the future. To find out if your child needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, call us to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Pasadena Family Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Dentists Who Always Listen to Your Needs
- Friendly, Long-Term Dental Team
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that appear in the back of your mouth. At one point in time, they served an incredibly important purpose – to grind and shred coarse foods; however, as humans evolved and our “hunter-gatherer” mentality decreased to almost being non-existent, these teeth became unnecessary.
Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Somewhere between the ages of 15 to 25 years, most people's third molars begin to erupt through the gumline at the very back of their mouths. However, the modern jaw shape often can't accommodate wisdom teeth, leading to either of two unhealthy conditions: crowding of existing permanent teeth or impaction – the incoming molars get stuck in place.
Crowded teeth can misalign your bite, cause jaw pain, and lead to gum disease, causing dental problems for the rest of your life. Partially erupted wisdom teeth allow bacteria and germs to multiply, leading to infection or cyst formation; tumors may even grow on a trapped wisdom tooth.
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may force entry, pushing up in whichever direction they find the most give - sideways, vertically, backward, or forward! They can become stuck while still fully encased in the jawbone (called a bony impaction), or prior to erupting through the gums (called a soft tissue impaction). Such impaction can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
We typically examine our 11- and 12-year-old patients to predict the upcoming developmental positioning of the wisdom teeth, and our doctors here in Pasadena, TX are likely to recommend extraction between 15 and 19 years of age.
How Does the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process Work?
While wisdom teeth extraction in Pasadena may not sound like a lot of fun, it's far better than the typical alternatives. Wisdom teeth extraction is a simple, routine surgical procedure that can usually be performed comfortably in one dental office visit.
Our dentists at Pasadena Family Dentistry have advanced training and experience in extracting partially and fully erupted wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, we’ll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for specialized care.
A simple extraction is conducted when the teeth have partially erupted. We will begin by administering local anesthesia before using special tools to gently move the tooth back and forth until it detaches.
During a surgical procedure, an oral surgeon will make an incision into the gums to expose the impacted tooth. Carefully, they will remove the tooth in pieces, so the process is much easier and safer for you.
Aftercare Tips
During your recovery period, there are some tips you should consider:
- Bite down on the gauze pad provided to you and make sure to replace them as often as needed. This will encourage a clot to form.
- Enjoy soft foods for the few days after your procedure but avoid chewing on the side of the extraction.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
- Make sure to rest and relax.
- Follow any instructions provided by the dentist concerning pain medication or antibiotics.
- Do not suck or sip with a straw, as it can dislodge the clot.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Use a cold compress to keep any swelling down.