If you're experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth or suspect your wisdom teeth might be coming in, now is the time to visit Dr. L.T. Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston.Â
Emerging wisdom teeth can often lead to complications later on if they aren't taken care of. Among our dental and oral health services, we specialize in removing this extra set of molars. Whether you're a teenager, young adult, or older, we're here to provide the guidance and treatment you need to keep your mouth healthy.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Many teens and adults are unaware they have an extra set of molars growing under their gums. This third set of molars, better known as wisdom teeth, can cause problems if untreated. They often can't be detected without regular dental exams or until they become problematic.
Because wisdom teeth grow beneath the surface of the gums and don't always emerge, we must X-ray the mouth to determine if they are present. Sometimes, the teeth will partially emerge from the gums but not grow in completely.
Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth usually don't grow in without causing problems. Patients with wisdom teeth are more susceptible to other oral issues, including:
- Infection of the surrounding tissue from partially exposed wisdom teeth, leading to swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath.
- Decay of partially exposed wisdom teeth or decay of the adjacent second molar.
- Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can cause issues in healthy teeth and bone tissue.
- Bacterial growth and gum disease.
- Shifting of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth push the second molars forward and cause dental crowding.
Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed
At the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, we recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed early, preferably during the mid-to-late teens, even if they haven't begun to emerge from the gums yet.Â
Since the roots of these teeth have not fully developed, removing them is usually easier at the early stages. Younger patients are also more likely to recover quickly after surgery, making early removal even more ideal.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before your wisdom teeth removal, you will have a thorough oral exam. You may also receive routine X-rays and 3D scanning to determine the position and size of your teeth.
Anesthesia Options
Dr. Johnson is trained and experienced in administering outpatient anesthesia. Our office in Houston, TX, offers multiple anesthetic options, including:
- Local anesthesia: We apply this directly to the area of removal.
- Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this is used along with other anesthetic options to calm anxiety during the procedure.
- Deep sedation/general anesthesia: We administer this through an intravenous (IV) line that suppresses your consciousness.
Our skilled surgeon and trained office staff will answer any questions you may have before your procedure to make sure you are fully informed. They can also help you choose the method of anesthesia that is best for you.
The Removal Process
On the day of the surgery, Dr. Johnson will use the chosen anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free.
The method of extraction depends on the complexity of the case. If the wisdom tooth has fully emerged, we can often remove it like a standard tooth extraction. However, impacted teeth might require a more involved procedure, where we carefully remove the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth.
Dr. Johnson uses specialized tools to gently loosen and extract the wisdom tooth. Sometimes, he may need to divide the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it more easily and safely.
Recovery
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction can vary, but here's a general guideline to help you understand what to expect:
- Immediate post-operative period: For the first 24 hours, follow Dr. Johnson's instructions to aid healing. Rest, avoid strenuous activities, and let blood clots form undisturbed.
- First few days: Expect some swelling and discomfort, which usually peaks around the second day. You can manage any pain with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Stick to soft foods like yogurt and soup to avoid irritation.
- One week after surgery: Most of the discomfort should subside by now, and you can return to most normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Stitches, if any, might be removed or begin to dissolve.
- Two weeks and beyond: You should have minimal discomfort by the end of the second week. It might take a few more weeks for your gums and bones to heal completely. Keep the area clean, and continue to follow good oral hygiene practices.
Why Choose Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston?
Welcome to the Oral And Facial Surgery Institute Of Houston (OFSIH). Led by Dr. L.T. Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, we're dedicated to providing top-notch service. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or more complex facial surgeries, we aim to improve oral health and overall well-being.
Our facility has the latest technology, ensuring we perform every procedure efficiently and safely. At OFSIH, you can trust us to meet your surgical needs with professionalism and personalized care. Join our community of satisfied patients and experience the quality of service that makes us a leader in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?
Impacted wisdom teeth cannot fully emerge through the gums due to a lack of space or incorrect positioning. Symptoms might include pain, swelling, and infection.
What Symptoms Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
Common symptoms include pain at the back of the mouth, swelling, jaw stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth, and sometimes even prolonged headaches.
What Are the Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
While generally safe, risks include dry socket, nerve damage, infection, and bleeding. However, these risks are minimal and further reduced by following post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Johnson.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?
Wisdom tooth extraction is generally not painful during the procedure due to modern anesthesia and pain management techniques. Dr. Johnson ensures you are comfortable and pain-free.
After the procedure, some discomfort is normal, but you should be able to manage it with pain relievers and by following Dr. Johnson's aftercare instructions.
Does Everyone Need to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Factors like tooth position and health will all have an impact. Dr. Johnson evaluates each case to determine the best course of action.
If your wisdom teeth have emerged and don't affect your other teeth or oral health, we might not have to remove them. But you may need extraction to prevent future complications if they're impacted, causing pain, infections, or overcrowding in your mouth.
What If I Didn't Get My Teeth Removed as a Teenager or Young Adult?
It's not uncommon for people to have their wisdom teeth removed later in life. If you didn't have your wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult, monitoring them for potential issues is important.
As long as your wisdom teeth are healthy, not causing pain, and not affecting other teeth, they may not need to be removed. However, if you experience problems such as pain, recurring infections, or damage to adjacent teeth, it might be time to have them extracted.
Can Wisdom Teeth Affect My Other Teeth if They Aren't Removed?
Yes, wisdom teeth can crowd or damage neighboring teeth if there isn't enough room for them to grow in properly.
When they come in at an angle or only partially erupt, they may press against adjacent molars. This can cause misalignment, decay, or discomfort. In some cases, cysts also form around impacted teeth, which can lead to bone or nerve damage.
Even if they aren't causing immediate pain, wisdom teeth can silently affect the health and position of other teeth over time. Dental monitoring through X-rays and exams is critical to catch potential problems early.
Will My Bite or Alignment Change After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Removing wisdom teeth doesn't significantly alter most people's bite or tooth alignment. However, if the wisdom teeth were causing crowding or shifting, extraction may help stabilize the bite and prevent future movement. Temporary changes in bite sensation may also occur as your mouth adjusts during healing.
If you've had orthodontic treatment, removing wisdom teeth can protect your results. While noticeable shifts are rare, ongoing dental checkups and using retainers or night guards (if recommended) can maintain proper alignment after the procedure.
How Long Does It Take for the Swelling To Go Down After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling typically peaks about 24 to 72 hours after wisdom teeth removal and begins to subside afterward. Most patients see noticeable improvement within three to five days, although minor puffiness can linger up to a week or more.
Applying ice packs during the first 24 hours and elevating your head can reduce inflammation. Following post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating soft foods, also aids recovery.
If swelling worsens after several days or is accompanied by fever, contact Dr. Johnson to rule out infection.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Issues?
Yes, upper wisdom teeth can sometimes contribute to sinus issues. This is because their roots are close to the maxillary sinus cavities. When these teeth grow in, they may press against or irritate the sinus lining, leading to pressure, congestion, or discomfort that mimics sinus infections.
Sometimes, an impacted upper wisdom tooth may cause or worsen sinus inflammation. After removal, it's also possible to experience temporary sinus symptoms as the area heals.
Persistent or severe sinus problems should be evaluated by both your dentist and a medical provider to determine the underlying cause.
Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back After They're Removed?
No, once a wisdom tooth is completely removed, it cannot grow back. Humans typically have four wisdom teeth, and once extracted, they're permanently gone.
In rare cases, people may have extra wisdom teeth called "supernumerary" or accessory teeth. If one of these was missed during initial X-rays or didn't erupt until later, it might appear that a wisdom tooth is growing back. Regular follow-up visits and imaging can help confirm whether additional teeth are present and whether further treatment is necessary.
Why Do Some People Have More Than Four Wisdom Teeth?
The presence of supernumerary teeth is a rare occurrence. It happens due to genetic factors that influence tooth development.
These additional wisdom teeth can form anywhere along the dental arches and may not always erupt. Sometimes, they remain hidden below the gumline and are only found during routine X-rays.
Extra wisdom teeth can crowd the mouth further and may need to be removed if they cause problems. Dentists monitor these uncommon teeth carefully to prevent complications such as misalignment, pain, or impaction.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today
You don't have to wait until you're in pain to find out you need your wisdom teeth removed. It's better to know ahead of time.
Call 281-491-4545 today to schedule your appointment with the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston in Texas. Dr. Johnson and our team are here to guide you through your options. Get ahead of your oral health and prepare for a healthier smile!
