The American Dental Association estimates that 10 million impacted wisdom teeth are removed from 5 million patients each year. With this volume of surgeries, you likely know someone who has successfully undergone the procedure. But if you've been referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to have wisdom teeth removal houston, what can you expect?
Why these teeth are removed?
Wisdom teeth, sometimes also called third molars, are the teeth that are located at the farthest point back in your mouth. Typically, we develop four third molars, with one on the top and bottom of the right and left sides of the jaw. Sometimes wisdom teeth develop naturally, erupting through the gums and aligning with the rest of the teeth. In the estimated 70 plus percent of people where this doesn't happen, some serious dental and health problems can occur. You need to seek houston uptown dentists before the condition gets worsen. The following four issues are the most common:
Impaction and bone damage: If the teeth are impacted, they may try to grow sideways and cause damage to the jawbone as they work on finding a path to erupt.
Infections: Partially erupted teeth can leave openings in the gum which attract bacteria. This bacteria over time can cause both minor and serious infections.
Pressure: Impacted teeth can place pressure on other nearby teeth, disrupting the natural tooth growth patterns and orthodontic development. This can lead to crowding and decay.
Cysts and tumors: Tumors and cysts can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. The results of this complication can damage the jawbone and gums.
The surgical impacted wisdom teeth removal is the smartest way to avoid any of these complications. Removal is often recommended even in the case of asymptomatic teeth. It's better to remove impacted wisdom teeth before they cause problems, and avoid potentially serious complications that develop over time.
What to expect from a removal consultation and procedure?
Your adult dentist, orthodontist, or even primary care doctor likely referred you to an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon due to suspected issues with your wisdom teeth. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will take detailed X-rays to determine the positioning of your teeth. He or she will also conduct an oral assessment. Based on the findings, a specific course of action will be recommended to you, and an appointment scheduled for the extraction if required. The doctor will also discuss any potential complications of the procedure at that time.
Tooth removal is an outpatient procedure conducted in the surgeon's office. In most cases, local anesthesia is used to prevent pain at the wisdom tooth hole. Anesthesia decisions are made in partnership with the patient, with comfort and health considerations in mind.
After the procedure, patients typically experience some discomfort. Ice, pain medication, rest, and a soft diet are recommended. You can schedule dentist appointment to check the progress of healing and address any patient concerns. For patients struggling with problems related to their wisdom teeth, having the removal procedure is a major relief. If you've been considering scheduling this surgery, consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in your area today.
