Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Houston
Wisdom teeth do not always need removal. If a tooth is painful, difficult to clean, impacted, or affecting the tooth next to it, Dr. L.T. Johnson can evaluate it and explain whether removal or monitoring is appropriate.
When to have wisdom teeth evaluated
Third molars can erupt fully, emerge only partway, or remain beneath the gum. An examination and imaging help show their position and relationship to nearby teeth, nerves, and sinuses. Symptoms and findings that may prompt an evaluation include:
- Repeated pain, swelling, or inflammation behind the back molars
- Difficulty cleaning a partly erupted tooth
- Decay or damage involving a wisdom tooth or adjacent molar
- A cyst or other finding seen on imaging
- Planning before orthodontic or other dental treatment, when clinically relevant
Dr. Johnson considers medical history, age and tooth development, the position of the roots, and proximity to the nerve. A panoramic X-ray may lead to a CT scan when the nerve relationship needs a closer look. A developing tooth may be monitored; an impacted tooth with symptoms or damage may favor removal. The decision is individual, and no age alone determines treatment.
Planning your procedure
Assessment
Dr. Johnson reviews your symptoms, medical history, tooth development, and imaging. He checks for disease around an impacted tooth, damage to the neighboring second molar, and inflammation around a partly erupted tooth. He also assesses the roots and nearby nerve before discussing removal or monitoring.
Anesthesia discussion
Removal can be performed with local anesthetic while you are awake. Sedation may be discussed for anxiety or a more involved extraction. Dr. Johnson considers your health history, prior dental experience, age, and the expected procedure before recommending an anesthesia plan.
Removal
An erupted tooth may be loosened and removed with limited access. For a tooth beneath gum or bone, Dr. Johnson may make an incision, remove a small amount of surrounding bone, or divide the tooth into sections to remove it carefully. He explains the plan and nearby structures before treatment.
Recovery
Dr. Johnson usually discusses a few days to about a week for the initial recovery, although healing varies. Follow the prescribed medication plan. A wrapped cold pack may help during the first day; the team will tell you when warmth is appropriate. Avoid vigorous brushing near the sites, vigorous gargling, and hard or crumbly foods such as popcorn, peanuts, and chips until instructed otherwise.
Questions patients often ask
Is there a best age for removal?
There is no single age that is right for everyone. Tooth position, root development, symptoms, and future risk all matter. Dr. Johnson can discuss the timing after an exam and imaging.
What affects the cost?
The number and position of teeth, complexity, imaging, and anesthesia needs can affect the estimate. The team can review costs after your treatment plan is defined.
What if I have urgent swelling or trouble breathing?
Call 911 or seek emergency care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing; do not wait for an office callback. Contact OFSIH promptly for bleeding that does not stop after firm pressure, severe or worsening swelling, or repeated vomiting, especially when a child cannot keep fluids down.